Book Review: Metanoia by Hannah Bree Campbell

Short Description

After the emotionally destructive end of the last story, Azalea and her family have decided to leave their home and find a new beginning. They face perilous journeys, unpredictable weather, and their overwhelming grief as they try to find a new home. Their loss is heavy in their hearts as they try to move on with their lives and encounter new people. Will they be able to find new happiness? Or will their grief overshadow everything?

(Check out the official synopsis on Goodreads and Amazon)

Review

Disclosure: I was sent this book in exchange for a honest review. No monetary compensation was received and these are my honest opinions.

First Thoughts

I read the first book in this series, Eunoia, a few months ago. Though I liked it, I knew I needed to read more about Azalea's story before forming my opinion about the story. To my surprise, I loved Metanoia even more. 

Plot

Never before has a book reduced me to tears from the first page. After the harrowing end to the first book, I wasn't sure what to expect going into the second. Grief and loss were focal elements in this book and were done well. The emotions that Azalea experienced were so heartbreakingly accurate that I got teary-eyed whenever she would even mention her sister. The story shows how different individuals deal with the same grief and how it can consume one's life. 

We follow Azalea and her family as they perilously travel from their beloved home to find a new beginning. When I say the journey was horrendous, I can't stress it enough. Interestingly, I had a fever when I was reading this, and every time Azalea was painfully jostled around in the wagon I felt her pain (literally). I love how Hannah Campbell describes nature. There were so many moments that left me awestruck and feeling like I was standing next to Azalea as she beheld the world's beauty. 

I loved reading all about Azalea and her family's attempts at starting over, making new friends, and feeling a new sense of belonging with others. Also, I love the way Hannah Campbell writes romantic moments. I couldn't stop smiling as I read them. Metanoia encompasses themes of loss, family, grief, friendship, nature, spirituality, and love. This book is about finding hope after tragedy and how difficult it can be to live on. Metanoia was a more cozy and comforting read to me than the first. It felt more like Anne of Green Gables, which appealed to me more than the first one. The author has done a wonderful job in this book. Her writing is so fluid and beautiful. The concerns I had in the last book were practically non-existent in this one. I am unsure whether Azalea's story is over yet, but I'd love to read more about her adventures. (Note: the author has informed me that there is a new book coming in the fall and I can't wait!)

Characters

Azalea - I love Azalea. I liked her in the first book, but we get a more tortured and mature look into her thoughts and beliefs in this book. I love how she is still the same inquisitive soul but hardships have changed her into a more mature young woman. She is more thoughtful, cautious, and contemplative, now weighed down by the pain of reality. My favorite thing about Azalea is her love for others, and I can't wait to read more about her.

Margaret - Once again, Margaret makes me feel mixed emotions. Sometimes, she seems unreasonably rigid and strangely smug, while at other points she moves me to tears with how loving a mother she is. She has also been devastated by grief, but her strength and resilience are so inspirational. 

Albert - He is the sweetest, most supportive father you've ever seen. He never tries to change Azalea's more unruly nature but loves her as she is, and is ready to do anything to make her happy. He is dependable, brave, kind, trusting, and willing to go to great lengths to protect his family.

Francis - I love Francis. The moment he was introduced, I was drawn to his character, and every interaction he shared with Azalea was a favorite moment for me. He is kind, understanding, and bold, yet also silly and mischievous. I can't wait to read more about Azalea and Francis' complicated relationship.

Nannie - Okay, so, Azalea doesn't have the best luck with friends. Either they betray her like her cousin or they leave her for other reasons. So, though I was happy that Azalea met Nannie, I couldn't help being skeptical. Nannie is sweet, imaginative, comforting, understanding, and a great friend. However, sometimes, I was fed up with how gullible and unreasonable she could be.

What I Did Not Like

I didn't like the twist near the end. It just felt like it came out of nowhere and changed how I thought the story was going. However, the author let me know that Azalea's story isn't over yet, so, the ending doesn't seem as incomplete as I first thought.

In Summation

I loved Metanoia much more than Eunoia (the first book). There was something so peaceful, calming, and adventurous about the feel of this book that I couldn't get enough of it. It reminded me of an emotional slice-of-life anime, and I am a sucker for those. I loved the romance in this book despite not reading many romance books, and that's when you know the writing is great. If you love Anne of Green Gables, you will love this book. If you like more fast-paced books, then this is not the book for you. If you need a book to make you feel the beauty of life and nature, give this one a try! Just note that there are religious themes in this book. If you are not interested in that, you may find this book difficult to get through. I, for one, can't wait to read more about Azalea's life.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Emoji Depiction: 🐎🧹🏡

Thanks for reading!