"First, Last, and Always" by Barbara Conklin is a heartwarming and touching tale that delves into the power of love and the complexities of relationships. The story revolves around the lives of three best friends - Angie, Jenny, and Lucy - as they navigate through the challenges of love, friendship, and personal growth. Set in a small town, the novel beautifully captures the characters' emotional journeys.
Conklin skillfully explores the innermost thoughts and emotions of each character, allowing readers to fully connect with their triumphs and struggles. Angie, the protagonist, is a relatable character who experiences a range of emotions as she grapples with a tumultuous relationship. Her internal conflict between following her heart and making practical choices adds depth to her character and keeps readers engaged.
The friendship between Angie, Jenny, and Lucy is a highlight of the book. Conklin vividly depicts the bond they share, showcasing their unwavering support for one another. The author successfully portrays the complexities of friendship, demonstrating that even the closest of friends can face conflicts and disagreements but ultimately find a way back to each other.
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The small-town setting lends charm and authenticity to the story. Conklin captures the essence of a tight-knit community, where everyone knows each other's business, and secrets are hard to keep. The interactions between the characters and the townspeople add depth to the narrative and create a sense of community that is both comforting and relatable.
Overall, "First, Last, and Always" is a beautifully crafted novel that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Conklin's character development and storytelling skills make the book a compelling and satisfying read. It is a story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling uplifted and content.
What are readers saying?
Barbara Conklin's book "First, Last and Always" has garnered diverse feedback from readers. The story revolves around Elissa Bentley, a young woman who grapples with achieving a harmonious balance between her career and personal life.
Many reviewers appreciate Conklin's skill in crafting relatable and captivating characters. They particularly commend the development of Elissa's character, noting her strong determination, willpower, and emotional growth. Readers found themselves rooting for Elissa as they resonated with her experiences and challenges.
The plot of the book also garnered praise from many. Reviewers describe it as engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that kept them engrossed. The romantic aspect of the novel is highlighted as believable and heartwarming, serving as a major highlight.
However, a few readers found the pacing of the story to be slow, which affected their overall enjoyment. Some sections were perceived as dragging on, resulting in a lack of excitement and momentum. Moreover, some reviewers struggled to connect with the secondary characters, finding them lacking in depth and development.
Opinions regarding the writing style of "First, Last and Always" were varied. While some appreciated Conklin's descriptive prose and ability to vividly create settings, others found it overly detailed and lengthy. Some critics also commented on the unrealistic dialogue and predictable narrative choices.
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