Disclosure: I am not a book reviewer; however, I am a reader, and I have eclectic reading tastes. I usually read 3-4 books at a time, often all are in different genres. Actually, it’s easier for me to read that many different genres at the same time, because when I read two or more of the same genre, I have to keep reminding myself what the story is and who the key players are. Right now, since I’m trying to increase my blog entries I am limiting myself to three: a cozy mystery, a suspense, and a technical book, and I’m listening to YA and a women’s fiction when I’m in the car.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a friend of the author of the book I am
going to review. I have received no compensation for this review. I have
purchased this book (multiple times)
through Amazon.com and from her directly at independent book signings. I
will be honest and objective. However, the review will be a good one because I
loved the novel—not because it was written by my friend, but because it really is a good story—so good in fact I have purchased,
and had Traci autograph, about 10 copies to give as gifts to friends and
family.
Some parts of the novel didn’t ring true for me: the timeline Noelle gave herself for
traveling from California to England, wrapping up her Aunts estate (packing up
a cottage with a life time of accumulated stuff, a failing art gallery, and a
seaside rental) and readying them for sale all in under a week! Unrealistic in my world. And then she became
one of the villagers without much kickback from the locals? Maybe English villages are less cliquish than
small town America. And the emotional
tension between Noelle, Adam, and his fiancée could have been explored more. I
didn’t want it to be, because I
wanted Adam and Noelle together, but I’ve been to writing conferences where
they talk about ramping up the tension. So I was expecting a little more.
Overall, I LOVED this story because I’m a romantic at heart.
I love feel good stories and this one abounds in feel good. It was cozy and
easy to read—so much so, I am still making purchases to give as Birthday gifts
to friends who didn’t receive it as my Christmas gift.
BTW, Traci’s second book, “Finding the Rainbow” has just
been released, and Book 3 in the Chilton Crosse series (a Christmas themed
story) will be released later this year. And, during her off time from
teaching, she is working on Book 4.
My gift giving has become much simpler…but
I need to make a spreadsheet so I can remember who received what and when so I
don’t duplicate gifts! http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com
It's great to see all the book reviews. Glad people are doing this for A to Z. And thanks for participating in this yearly blogging event!
ReplyDeleteI love reading the bloggers who are writing theme-based challenges. Maybe I'll pick a theme next year. :~)
Delete