Confessions of a Kinsella fan…
I admit it. I love Sophie Kinsella books.
I do. They are my top choice for plane rides and late night reads.
When I need a mental break, I pull out Confessions of a Shopaholic, Can You Keep a Secret? or Undomestic Goddess. My latest is probably one of my favorites, “Remember Me?”
I’m not sure exactly what it is, but I love Kinsellas’ voice and specifically, her heros. The heorines always have a thousand quirks that ususally rub me the wrong way. Maybe its because I can’t sympathize with the desire to pay “thousands of quid” for a pair of shoes…But her heros. They always make me swoon somehow.
This offers a good character study. I’m sitting here and wondering, “Why is it that I love her male protagonist but usually don’t like her female protags?” All of her characters have realistic flaws, but I think it is the fact that the men always seem to fall so head over heals for these persnickety women.
I thoroughly enjoy the British writing and style as a break from the norm. Each book is an easy read and while not earth-shattering or shocking in any way, they leave me with an “aww shucks” moment. Hey, everyone needs that every now and then!
Review: Plain Pursuit
When I read the synopsis for “Plain Pursuit” by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson, 2009), something seemed to hook me. Not sure if it was the fact that the protagonist is a journalist, but that is a definite possibility.
Either way, I dove into the novel a little wary of Amish fiction to begin with. I’ve read very few Amish novels since Beverly Lewis’ “The Shunning,” so I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I found myself drawn in from page one and unable to put the book down.
Instantly, the reader is drawn to every single character and though there is a strong thread of romance, there are so many other aspects to Plain Pursuit. There is a strong message on the importance of forgiveness and family, and while the Amish culture is a big part of the novel, it isn’t overdone or unbelievable.
There are a lot of little twists in the novel that kept me turning each page. I couldn’t reach a point where I was able to set the book aside. The main character, Carly, is a relatable character (and I’m not saying that because of the choice of profession) that you will root for until the end.
This is definitely a feel-good romance at heart and I recommend this to anyone who wants to break free of your normal day and escape to Lancaster County.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze as a part of their Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Read MoreReview: Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana
Synopsis: Liberty, Indiana, is home to a stop on the Underground Railroad operated by Anna Brent and her father, covert abolitionists who harbor runaway slaves traveling toward freedom. When Anna’s work on the Underground Railroad is threatened, can she turn to newspaper editor, Daniel Stanton, a man she barely knows, to ensure the safety of the slaves so dear to her? Will she and Daniel be willing to risk everything for their beliefs including their personal liberty?
My Review:
Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana, by Melanie Dobson, has kept me captive for the past few days. This was a novel that defied all expectations. It broke the mold of a traditional, predictable romance and I couldn’t get enough of it.
The main characters, Anna and Daniel, were both very real, intense characters. This book was full of suspense and passion for people in this era when the country was so divided. There were twists and turns that I didn’t even see coming, which left me glued to each page.
The romance between Anna and Daniel isn’t overdone, but subtle and yet so very powerful. The history of the area and the Quaker traditions fascinated me and felt real and well researched.
I haven’t been this hooked to a book in a long time¾it was nearly impossible to put this book down, which is something I don’t say lightly! I recommend this for readers of all ages and interests.
Dobson has a new “Love Finds You” release coming soon, and I’m sure to get a copy! Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa, will be released by Summerside Press in March 2010.
Read MoreReview: The Piano Teacher
This was one of those cases (we’ve all read at least one) where the premise was perfectly set up and the potential for knocking the wind out of the reader was there…but the author simply failed to deliver.
Janice Y.K. Lee’s The Piano Teacher, a historical romance set in Hong Kong during and after World War II, is about two love affairs in different times. In 1942, Will Truesdale and Trudy Liang are swept up in the glamour of pre-war Hong Kong, but quickly find their world ripped from their under their feet. Ten years later, Claire comes to Hong Kong with her husband and finds a job as a piano teacher. The family’s driver is Will, and soon they are wrapped in an affair. Slowly, the past unravels and we learn of a shadowy past and a series of unanswered questions.
The main problem with this book was that the characters never connected with the reader. Perhaps they are too realistic in that the characters don’t seem to have any redeeming factors about them. I finished the book simply because of the mystery involved and while I cared little about the outcome for the characters, I just wanted to know who-done-what…
Lee’s writing style was easy to read and there were several chapters of writing brilliance: using cryptic clues that alluded to what was going on at various times. There are several twists and surprises, but without much emotion vested in the main characters, it fell rather flat.
The true gem of this novel is the rich detail and descriptions of Hong Kong in the war. I felt wrapped up in the world and while characters were not deeply portrayed, they all had realistic, memorable dialogue and quirks.
Read MoreLatest Manuscript News
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: contests are invaluable to writers! First, it gives you deadlines to work by, and then it forces you to get your manuscript out there.
I entered “A Long Way From Home,” my NaNoWriMo manuscript, into the Novel Journey’s “Out of the Slush Pile” contest that they are running all through 2010. I went online the moment I woke up on the day they were to announce the winners on the blog and was saddened to see that I was not the winner for the historical category. So, I get ready for work and trek into the office. Then, I pull up my email and see a message from one of the coordinators of the contest.
“A Long Way From Home” was tied for second! The judges liked my writing and felt the story had a lot of potential for success. The e-mail really brightened my day, to say the least.
I am continuing to work on the novel with my fabulous critique group to get it as polished as possible for this summer’s writing conference. I’ve also got another few contest deadlines that I’m shooting for, like Genesis through ACFW. These contests provide priceless feedback. I encourage every writer out there to search around and find some reputable contests to get some exposure and critique.
Happy writing and contest-ing!
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