What do readers think of Pieces of Blue by Holly Goldberg Sloan? Write your own review.

This book told an excellent and surprising story. I don't believe in spoilers, so just read and enjoy this book.

"Pieces of Blue" by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a heartfelt and touching novel that delves into themes of loss, healing, and the power of friendship. With her eloquent storytelling and relatable characters, Sloan captures the essence of human emotions and the journey of self-discovery.

The story revolves around Wren Baker, a twelve-year-old girl who is still grappling with the sudden loss of her father. Struggling to find her place in a world that feels shattered, Wren discovers a stack of envelopes hidden in her father's closet. Each envelope contains a puzzle piece and a letter, leading her on a quest to solve the mystery her father left behind.

What makes "Pieces of Blue" stand out is the authentic portrayal of grief and the profound impact it has on Wren's life. Sloan beautifully explores the complex emotions of a young girl navigating loss, showing both the darkness and the glimmers of hope that come with it. Wren's journey is raw and poignant, as she finds solace in the act of putting the puzzle pieces together and gradually piecing together the fragments of her own heart.

The characters in this novel are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique quirks and struggles. Wren is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, carrying the weight of her grief while trying to make sense of her father's puzzle. The supporting characters, such as Wren's witty and loyal best friend Theo, add depth and warmth to the narrative, providing moments of laughter and companionship amidst the somber backdrop.

Sloan's writing style is engaging and fluid, effortlessly pulling readers into the story. Her ability to convey emotions through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue is commendable. The pacing is well-balanced, alternating between moments of introspection and moments of action, keeping the reader captivated throughout.

One minor drawback of the novel is that certain plot points and character arcs feel predictable. While this does not significantly detract from the overall reading experience, it slightly diminishes the element of surprise. However, the genuine emotional resonance of the story more than makes up for this slight predictability.

"Pieces of Blue" ultimately serves as a reminder of the power of love, resilience, and self-discovery. It explores the idea that healing is not a linear process but a collection of fragments, much like the puzzle pieces Wren uncovers. Through her heartfelt storytelling, Holly Goldberg Sloan reminds us that even in the midst of tragedy, there is hope and the possibility of finding new beginnings.

In conclusion, "Pieces of Blue" is a touching and emotional read that will resonate with readers of all ages. Holly Goldberg Sloan's skillful storytelling and relatable characters make this novel a worthwhile exploration of grief, healing, and the bonds that hold us together.

Pieces of Blue is a heartwarming story of tragedy, hope, trust and redemption. The Hill family loses their father and takes a leap of faith by moving to Hawaii and buying a rundown hotel to try and reconfigure the pieces of their lives. There are secrets and revelations and lots of reinvention - I loved it.

Pieces of Blue is a book that will capture your heart and entertain you throughout. It opens with a widow and her three children relocating to Hawaii to start a new life. Their first task is to open up a run-down motel and make a go of their new life. The characters in this book are believable. The pacing of events was particularly pleasing to me as the story moved on without, in my opinion, belaboring the point. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Hawaiian history and mythology. This book has many relatable features to families with school-age children and the many challenges that arise while raising them. It contains many unexpected twists and turns, guaranteed to keep you reading to the end. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Lindsay's and her children's lives take a dramatic twist from enjoying life wealthy without financial worry due to the success of her husband's tech start-up when he losses everything in illegal scams. If their lives weren't traumatic enough Lindsay's husband dies in a surfing accident. How she and her three children emotionally and mental survived as well as they did was amazing.

Lindsay buys a motel on the island of Oahu, sight unseen, with money she received from her husband's death benefits. Sound crazy based upon the roller coaster of events? Lindsay feels it will be the perfect way for her and the children to start fresh and put the trauma of Portland behind them.

I loved the story line until later in the book when the author introduced a twist that for me changed the whole feel of the writing. I enjoyed learning more about Hawaii's history and culture. Viewing the events that unfolded in the book was made more powerful through the author telling it not through the perspective of Lindsey, but from her three children.

I enjoyed the details re life in Hawaii — colors of islands, foods served by beachside vendors. I enjoy fiction from which one can learn about a place/time like that.

I did enjoy reading this book. It's about a Widowed mother of three. That right there could be the story but no, She has insomnia and on an impulse she buys a motel in Hawaii! Amazingly, they all figure out how to work together and the family bond grows tighter.

There are a few hiccups along the way. I quickly became invested in their story and was slightly annoyed when Lindsey (the mom) would decide to go for a walk on the beach instead of working on the motel game plan. This book definitely kept my interest, I would recommend it for an easy summer read.

Imagine a family, a mother and three children, a few years after the dad died in a surfing accident, setting up a small motel in a quiet and scenic spot on Oahu. They had become accustomed to being downwardly mobile after the dad's business had become less profitable.

After a moderately paced beginning, a helpful guy appears. After having bought the motel property sight unseen, the mom is grateful for advice and volunteer help. It gets complicated and somewhat mysterious.

The pace picks up considerably in the later part of the story.

I enjoyed the sense of place as the story developed and was intrigued by the brave (maybe foolish?) experiment in reinvention. It is ultimately a big-hearted novel that works.