3 Stars
How much can you hide? Jemima Hutton is determined to build a successful new life and keep her past a dark secret. Trouble is, her jewellery business looks set to fail - until enigmatic Ben Davies offers to stock her handmade belt buckles in his guitar shop and things start looking up, on all fronts. But Ben has secrets too. When Jemima finds out he used to be the front man of hugely successful Indie rock band Willow Down, she wants to know more. Why did he desert the band on their US tour? Why is he now a semi-recluse? And the curiosity is mutual - which means that her own secret is no longer safe ... I bought this book sometime during 2014. The cover was cute, and the story did stir curiosity within me. I started reading it and lost interest before I reached half of the book. For me, a book really needs to grab the reader’s attention and interest from page 1 until the end. However, I did struggle with this read. From the beginning I could pick up on predictability, too cliché and your typical heroine and hero romance. Jemima, the heroine in her own life, and written in 1st POV. Your typical gorgeous girl with a past to run as far away as possible…hell…you need to run girl…that kind of past…Most of her turmoil played off within her head. Angst, fear and flight mode kicking in every time someone came too close. She was likable, witty and the almost perfect friend. However, her story lacked. It felt like there could’ve been more story, more detail. Her heroism kind of lacked real power. It was a bit rushed. Even the part, where she finally came clean on her part…it came way too fast and ended way to fast. I already forgot what her past was about…and that’s sort of a part that really needs to stand out, so we can sense where her growth took place and when she became this heroine powerhouse…which in fact did not happen. It was all too quick. Ben…celebrity gone bad, fled the scene and disappeared for no-one to ever find the truth, or in this case, finding him. But we all know how this usually turns out. I felt Ben, the hero…his character was much more powerful. A connection sparked, me really feeling his pain, hurt, fear and anxiety. At times his character was a real powerhouse, a bit too strong for the lead character, being Jemima. However, the character combination somehow worked. Saskia…the evil villain went at it well. I could taste the sourness and smell the disgust I felt towards this woman…a character living up to our expectancy of a real bitchy villain. However, nearing the end and coming to conclusion why she was this way…it fell flat. A strong character lead, gone completely soft which for me did not fit within this scenario which played off. As if an alternative ending or ‘her reasons’ could’ve been different. The story overall in this section started off great, but lost track in my opinion. Now I simply regard her as a weak character. Rosie…a sweet sweet single mother trying to find her own two feet, never mind finding her own way. The twist in the end was a bit… ‘Huh? Okay…’ More detail again could’ve been added. Rosie’s ending was weak and strange. Yes, things like this happen, but for some reason it simply did not fit into this story-line for me. The plot only really started picking up nearing the end. All the twists which I did not expect…that was interesting. I’m trying hard not to give out any spoilers. I really enjoyed each character’s dirty/painful secret and how it caught you by surprise never to think that was possible. A real ‘Oh my word’ moment. Quite a few actually. I’m rating this book 3 stars. The story could’ve been better. Lack of volume if I may, rushing over important details. The whole book felt a bit rushed and I really would’ve enjoyed it if it weren’t for the above. When a character is in turmoil, you really need to dive into details as to why. Make the reader believe as to why the character is the way he/she is. In this case, details were rushed, and focus was placed upon irrelevant details which didn’t need attention. If this makes sense at all. Now for the big question…will I read anything else from the author, Jane Lovering? Of course, I will. She really pulls you in. Her stories are interesting, and I really want to give her another change before judging too harshly. This story wasn’t awful. Don’t get me wrong. In my opinion as a reader, it lacked here and there. But I will most definitely pick up her other novels and see what she has to offer.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
April 2018
Categories
All
|