It’s time to discuss Blackberry Winter, the winning book for the February PBF Book Club!
We will be voting on a book to read for the March book club tomorrow!
Brief Summary
Blackberry Winter follows two women, Vera Ray, a single mother in 1933 trying to make end’s meet, and Claire Aldridge, a journalist in the middle of marital strife in 2010. When Claire is assigned to cover an unusual snowstorm that mirrors a storm that took place back in 1933, she uncovers a story about a missing boy, a story that links her life to Vera’s in many ways.
My Review (With Spoilers)
I went into Blackberry Winter with high expectations since I absolutely loved Sarah Jio’s debut novel, The Violets of March. Much like The Violets of March, Blackberry Winter hops back and forth between two stories that are closely intertwined.
Blackberry Winter kept me engaged, but it wasn’t really a “page-turner” for me until I reached the last third of the book. I cared about Vera and wanted to see Claire work through the grief surrounding her personal tragedy, but I wasn’t completely hooked until Claire started to put the pieces together and figure out how her life was connected to Vera’s. Then Blackberry Winter became quite an exciting read!
My main gripe? I found a lot of the twists rather predictable in this book. I had a feeling Warren would be an integral character from the moment he entered the novel. The way Claire uncovered clues right after something similar happened in Vera’s story seemed a little obvious at times. I wanted to try to figure things out on my own, but felt like many of the clues were delivered on a silver platter.
Another little gripe I had with the book was how quickly Vera seemed to take Josephine’s words to heart. I know that she struggled with Charles’ wealth and opulence, but I felt like the book made it very obvious that she was madly in love with him and I can’t imagine someone leaving a relationship (pregnant, no less) without so much as a conversation.
I know this may be an unusual thing to mention in a book review, but I really loved Sarah’s note to the reader at the end of the book. Though I am not a mother myself, I loved this quote: “Wendi reminds me, always, that motherhood–life–no matter how short, is a gift.” My heart broke for both Vera and Claire throughout this novel. I cannot imagine going through the loss of a child and reading along as both women worked through their pain was heart wrenching. I thought the excerpt when Claire watches the robin and it becomes clear that she is going to move on, but will never forget her baby, was absolutely beautiful. Sarah Jio did a wonderful job conveying a mother’s love throughout the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and engaging read and I remain a Sarah Jio fan!
Blogger Link Up
You can find additional reviews of Blackberry Winter on the following blogs:
- Kristina Masten
- Bit By Bit
- Healthy Epiphany
- Biting Life
- Day-By-Day Masterpiece
- A Healthy Slice of Life
- Chelsea Eats Treats
- Fitness Perks
- Pennies on the Run
- Love, Laugh, Laurie!
- Hungry Healthy Girl
- Run with Perseverance
- Freeing Imperfections
- Run, Eat, Play
- My Neon Running Shoes
- Good for the Soul by Dani-T
- Food, Fun and Life in Waukesha
Discussion Questions
- Did you find Claire or Vera’s story more engaging?
- Did you anticipate any of the twists in the novel? Which one(s)?
- How did you feel about the ending? Were you happy with the man Claire ended up with in the end?
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I completely agree with the predictable-ness. I was hoping that once the clues started coming I would have to work to crack the case and feel rewarded, but no luck there. However, I completely agree with everything else — Sarah Jio is fave of mine. I need to read Violets of March!
if you liked this book you will LOVE violets of march. in my opinion, it’s her best novel and doesn’t have the same level of predictability that this one did.
I read it over the course of about 2 days–so it was def a page turner for me. There was some predictability, yes, but I really enjoyed it! And the story was so heart wrenching, it just came alive for me–a good writer can do that 🙂 It is a quick read, but I like having some of those in my life too! hah.
I have heard such amazing things about this book over and over again! Unfortunately, my local library does not have it :(. I am dying to read it, though, so I might have to look into an interlibrary loan or I might just break down and buy it!
I found some parts of Vera’s story hard to believe at some points. I felt her story was not as complete as Claire’s, that a lot of the details were glossed over by the author. This is the first book I’ve read by Sarah Jio, but I think Claire’s and Vera’s stories would be more interesting if more detail was put into them. Also, the simplicity of the writing may have been the reason why the mysteries were so easy to solve. I am glad that Claire was able to work things out with her husband. That was the only part of the story that kept me guessing.
I also can’t wait to check out Violets of March! I’m almost glad I read Blackberry Winter first because I think my expectations weren’t as high as they would have been otherwise. I agree the book was a little predictable, but I’m glad you mentioned the ending — such a sweet Afterword! I always love getting a little peek into the author’s world and thought process. And thanks for featuring my review post, Julie! 🙂
I like books that hop back and forth from a present character and a past character; I like to see how the author slowly weaves the two stories together. I did enjoy Blackberry Winter, but some parts I was a little skeptical about. They seemed glossed over and it ended a little too “neat.” I will still probably check out Violets of March, since she seems like a good writer and that book has gotten more rave reviews than this one! 🙂
I also didn’t like that most of the clues were just handed to Claire – that was my biggest gripe about the book. I though Vera’s story was so sad and not one good thing happened to her the whole book – kind of depressing.
I’ll have to read Violets of March next!
I found Claire’s story more engaging and believable than Vera’s and was more excited for those chapters. I knew the boat was going to be a part of the ending but wasn’t sure how. I’m glad that Claire cleared things up with her husband, but I do wonder how it would have gone the other way. Thanks for featuring my post!
I didn’t read the book yet, but I wanna read it, sounds great!
i haven’t read this one yet…read Viloets of March and her other book The Bungalow…i like her writing style so I would check this one out.
We have very similar views about the book! I also wasn’t hooked right away until the last couple of chapters.
1. I thought Claire’s story was more engaging because it was in present day. I felt like there were gaps in Vera’s story somehow.
2. I just felt like the coincidences between Vera and Claire were corny. I realized Warren was Daniel the first second Claire talked to him. But then I was confused for a while, until it was revealed again.
3. I’m always happy to see a happy ending. But I also felt like Claire and Ethan’s reuinion was kind of fake. I mean, he was like almost cheating on her (or maybe was) and they were just back together like that. I mean, I loved it, but it could have been more convincing.
So glad to have participated again! Thanks for hosting 🙂
I had the same exact issue with the book – Vera not even talking to Charles about her decision. It’s so frustrating when movies and books do this. It reminded me a lot like The Notebook in a way – poor and rich just never seem to end up together. Sigh.
But yes, still a huge fan of Sarah and her writing really creates a clear picture in my mind of the setting and of the characters.
I love your book club posts!!! I need to read this, it sounds like a good book and I have heard that her writing is pretty good. I will have to check it out.
Hello! I’m a new blogger and want to know how to get in on the club! I love to read and devour anything. Thanks!
I haven’t read this book and have heard great things about it so I didn’t read your whole post (you mentioned spoilers 🙂 ) Sounds like I am going to have to add it to my list of books to read.
This was my first Sarah jio book and I loved it! In the beginning I really struggled with the idea of leaving a three year old at home alone. Being a mom I couldn’t imagine! I am a highly visual person when I read and I think Sarah did a fantastic job describing the environment, feelings, and characters. I read this book in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down! Claire’s tragedy was drawn out, I think the “goods” could’ve been given up sooner. I loved the idea of a blackberry starter growing at Vera and Claire’s sons gravesite kinda connecting the two. I liked how smoothly this book read, a little predictable but I liked it! I wish Vera had something good happen to her at some point with Charles.
On to violets of march!
One of the things I absolutely loved was the title of the book. I’m a huge fan of blackberries, and a gardener, but I have never heard of that late winter referred to as a Blackberry Winter. Maybe because we never have these in New Jersey. We are much more likely to have an Indian Summer!
I agree with the posts above on the predictability of the book-. I think Sarah Jio should have waited until later in the book to reveal that Claire was in possession of the emerald bracelet. I was really disappointed that Vera did not pursue her relationship with Daniel’s father. Come on girl! Suck it up and give it a chance!
While I am usually a fan of couples staying together, I was rooting for the barista. It just seemed like Ethan wasn’t worth getting back together with. I mean he was such a jerk! Right?
Anyway, since everyone else loved Violets of March, I have added it to my “want to read” list on goodreads. Looking forward to March’s read!!
I got a little frustrated with Claire because I kept wanting her to try and work on her relationship with her husband. But, I felt like I could connect with her better than Vera. I did predict some of the twists, but I really was engaged throughout the whole story. Great read! Going to have to check out Violets of March
I found this to be a great read and it really did tug at my heart strings. I agree with you on the being frustrated with Vera, not only for leaving Charles like she did, but also how she handled losing her son and looking for him. I try to be understanding that I am not a woman in this situation and I don’t know what I would do if I lost a child but everything inside of me wanted to shake her and tell her to stand up for herself.
Maybe the first Game of Thrones novel as next month’s book selection. I just started reading it and, with all 1000 or so pages, I have a feeling I’ll be reading it for a bit.
I read both Blackberry Winter and Violets of March back to back and they kind of ran together a little, because her writing style is soooo similar book to book! Not to say I didn’t totally love both books, because I really did. The predictability I actually kind of like, I guess it makes me feel more in the loop, like hey I can figure this out maybe? I thought Veras story was super engaging
And my heart broke for her page after page! And Josephine was evil!!
Milton (our vizsla) and I hope that you will put “a Dogs Purpose” by Bruce Cameron on the list! Milton “told” me he wrote you and Sadie a note about what a good book it was on your Instagram! 😉 I think you and your readers would really enjoy! I give it, and the sequel “A Dogs Journey” rave reviews!
First of all, you are so cute that your Dog is the one recommending the book. Second of all, I read that book this summer and I LOVED it. I would definitely read it again, Oh Julie I hope you will read it too, even if it isn’t for your book club. It is fantastic!
I agree with the lack of communication between Vera and Charles. It seems extremely unlikely that she would just leave without a word. I know this happens a lot in books and television and they always play it off like someone is trying to be the better person. It reminds me of all the times in Downton Abbey when Thomas and Obrien defeat Mr.Bates and he does nothing about it…so frustrating! However, I still really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it!
I really love Sarah Jio. I did enjoy Blackberry Winter but I liked Violets in March better.
I enjoyed this book! Agreed that Vera not trying harder w Charles was really annoying and unbelievable. With how badly she was struggling, I find it odd she did not go to him. A little predictable, but kept me interested. I thought Vera’s story was much more interesting, but I wish she would have been reunited w Daniel (obviously ha) but my heart is still breaking for her.
Totally agree with Linda. Really enjoyed Blackberry Winter but liked Violets in March much more.
I read her books in the opposite order (first Blackberry, then violets) and actually found that I could predict a lot of what happened was going to happen because I already knew the author’s style. Even though the stories were different they both twisted and turned in similar ways, I thought. Of course, like you, I enjoyed both and am a fan of Jio.
I have to say that I excitedly started this book because I was SO ready to dive into a great new read, but when Daniel was kidnapped, I had to stop reading. I have a beautiful 2 1/2 year old boy with “heart-stoppingly beautiful blue eyes” and it seemed so real to me, I couldn’t read any more. I’m SO glad to see in your spoilers that everything turned out okay (and I know it’s fiction!) but I couldn’t get through the heartbreak to read any more. I will try The Fault in Our Stars though…Hopefully I won’t get myself so attached!
I really liked this book, and I did get sucked in – but more towards the end too. I think Violets of March was better!
I really loved The Violets of March. But not yet been through Blackberry Winter. Going to check out this one soon!