Purple Hearts: A Novel Cover

Purple Hearts Review

Purple Hearts captivates with an emotional whirl. Cassie and Luke's chemistry pops, but pacing falters a bit. Dialogue shines, tugging heartstrings. Grab tissues and chocolate for this heartfelt journey. Perfect for cozy nights!
  • Emotional Impact
  • Character Development
  • Writing Style
  • Pacing
3.4/5Overall Score

A humorous review of 'Purple Hearts' highlights emotional impact, character growth, vivid writing style, and slight pacing flaws.

Specs
  • Year released: 2017
  • Author: Tess Wakefield
  • Genre: Romance
  • Pages: 320
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Publisher: Atria Books
  • ISBN: 978-1501136498
  • Language: English
  • Target Audience: Adults
Pros
  • Engaging love story
  • Realistic characters
  • Emotional depth
  • Relatable themes
Cons
  • Predictable plot
  • Shallow characters
  • Pacing issues
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Welcome to my review of Purple Hearts, a book that captivated my emotions and kept me hooked with its simple yet engaging writing style. Join me as I share the highs, lows, and everything in between of this emotional roller coaster that had me reaching for tissues—and chocolate!

In a nutshell

‘Purple Hearts’ by Tess Wakefield is a romance novel laced with drama and a touch of realism. The story revolves around two unlikely characters, Cassie, an aspiring musician, and Luke, a troubled Marine. They enter a marriage of convenience, which leads to unexpected emotions and challenges. Themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth are woven throughout the book. It’s a gripping tale for those who adore romance with a sprinkle of military life and a focus on personal demons. Tess crafts a world where relationships are tested, and hearts are at stake. It keeps readers on edge but also delivers on the warm fuzzy feels, except when it doesn’t, but who doesn’t like a bit of unpredictability, right? Phew, I think I need a nap after that emotional ride!

Unraveling the Storyline of Purple Hearts

Oh, my heartstrings! “Purple Hearts” had me grabbing tissues like a squirrel hoarding nuts in November. This romance novel by Tess Wakefield grips a reader’s pulse and doesn’t let go. The book centers around Cassie Salazar and Luke Morrow, who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Cassie’s a struggling musician juggling gigs and diabetes, while Luke’s a Marine trying to sort out his own life. Talk about a dynamic duo! When life throws them a financial curveball, these two strangers decide to marry for military benefits—a plan with more holes than Swiss cheese! It’s a fake relationship, folks, and anyone who’s watched rom-coms knows what comes next.

The plot takes a turn when Luke heads off to war, leaving Cassie with newfound responsibilities as a military wife. Distance makes the heart grow fonder—or does it just make things awkward? The book captures the essence of love, duty, and the surprising ways we connect. It’s a wild ride of emotions, misunderstandings, and a budding romance that surprises both Cassie and Luke. You can almost hear the violins in the background! But let’s not leave out the humor; Cassie’s sarcasm could slice through a Thanksgiving turkey.

Now, a quick flip of the coin; the pacing at times feels like running in molasses, slowing down when you’re itching for action. Some plot twists scream “plot convenience,” but hey, it’s fiction! Most readers will find their hearts aching along with the characters, but some might find themselves yearning for a bit more realism in their romance fantasy.

Next up, join me as we delve into the intricate web of character development, where Cassie and Luke come alive on the pages. Stay tuned, it’s a doozy!

Character Development in Purple Hearts: A Heartfelt Transformation

Let’s talk about character development in Purple Hearts. It reminds me of my first attempt to train a goldfish to play fetch. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work, but I saw a glimmer of hope when the fish floated towards the stick once. The characters in this book start with their own quirks and issues, but by the end, they’ve made strides that even my goldfish would admire!

Take Cassie, for example. She’s as layered as an onion but avoids making readers cry (except happy tears, maybe). She begins as a struggling musician with a will of steel. Throughout the book, she learns to open up more, like when I try to open a jar of pickles but finally succeed after a few grunts. Her journey from tough-as-nails to embracing vulnerability is raw and real.

Then, there’s Luke. His transformation is reminiscent of my friend who tried out online yoga. At first, shaky and skeptical, but by the end, nailing his moves and finding his balance. Luke evolves from a character burdened with secrets to someone willing to let others in. His growth is both believable and inspiring, like that time I managed to cook spaghetti without turning it into a mushy mess.

The author does a commendable job, adding depth and humanity to these characters. They feel more like our neighbors than fictional creations, and that’s a testament to thoughtful writing.

Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll unravel the playful yet poignant writing style of this book. It’s a dance of words you won’t want to miss!

The Writing Style of Purple Hearts

Let’s talk about the writing style in Purple Hearts. It’s like the author dressed the sentences in comfy pajamas and served them warm cocoa. Instead of feeling like I’m in a fancy restaurant trying to navigate eighteen pieces of cutlery, it’s more like chatting with a friend over nachos and soda.

The author keeps the language simple, which makes the book accessible to everyone. Trust me, even my goldfish could follow this plot. The straightforward narrative lets you slide through the pages with ease, like a penguin on ice (minus the cold bottoms). Although, I must admit, the flow sometimes hits a bump or two. It’s like getting your shoelaces tied together during a running race. Awkward moments spring up, and you wonder if the editor might’ve been napping. But overall, it’s easy to get back on track and keep running alongside our main characters, Cassie and Luke.

The author excels in creating vivid dialogues. At times, the banter was so snappy, I nearly heard the ‘zing’ of a sword fight! The interactions leap out of the pages, transforming ordinary scenes into memorable moments that seem to throw a wink or a nudge in your direction. However, some descriptions could’ve used a little more zest, like an under-seasoned bowl of soup. But hey, it’s still soup, right?

Despite the occasional drizzle of clichés, the writing style maintains a sincerity that tugs at your heartstrings—gently, like a kitten playing with yarn. So, stay tuned for our next exploration into the Emotional Impact of this novel, where I promise tissues will do just more than gather dust!

The Emotional Impact of Purple Hearts: A Roller Coaster of Feelings

Have you ever had a book hit you straight in the feels? Well, let me tell ya, ‘Purple Hearts’ didn’t just tug at my heartstrings; it played a full-on symphony! This book is filled with moments that’ll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even look up from the page, scream “why?!”, and scare your cat. (Sorry, Fluffy, it was an intense chapter!)

‘Purple Hearts’ is about Cassie and Luke, two characters who start as strangers and end up partners—just not the way you’d expect. You can feel their struggles, dreams, and hopes almost as if you were living them yourself. If you like books that make you feel every emotion under the sun, well, this is a shining example, folks.

The emotional impact doesn’t just rely on big moments. The subtle ones—like Cassie picking out a song or Luke’s silent stares—are just as effective. It’s as if the author planted emotion grenades throughout the book, each waiting to explode when you least expect it. Books like this remind me why I still have tissues by my reading chair, you know?

While ‘Purple Hearts’ delivers in the emotional department, it can feel a tad rushed in places. Some moments would’ve been perfect with a bit more room to breathe, but hey, nothing’s perfect, right?

If you ask me whether you should read ‘Purple Hearts,’ I’d say strap on your emotional safety belt and give it a whirl! You might want to keep some chocolate handy for emotional support though. Just a tip!

Conclusion

To wrap up this roller coaster of emotion, “Purple Hearts” offers a solid tale with heartwarming characters and some laugh-out-loud moments. Cassie and Luke’s journey shows some genuine growth, despite the story feeling a tad rushed. The simple yet engaging writing style keeps you flipping the pages, though you might stumble at times. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s perfect for a cozy read with some chocolates by your side. Grab a box of tissues, too, because those heartstrings will get tugged. This is me, Steve, signing off with a smile and a wink!

3.4/5Overall Score
Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!