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Review Date: 10/1/2013
Helpful Score: 1
This is an outstanding novel in every way, but perhaps one of the best parts of this story was the deep characterization. I have rarely read a novel that did such an excellent job of taking me inside the characters' heads. Julia's constant battle within herself was fascinating: the war between her fear and her desire to experience love was poignant and wonderfully fleshed out for the reader. Everett's own struggle to be the husband God wanted him to be, even as his wife held him at arms' length, was also well-written and entirely believable. I could not help but root for this couple, even as the author did a fantastic job of scaring me that a happy ending would be near to impossible with these two.
The most beautiful struggle in the novel, however, had to be Julia's coming to terms with God as a loving Father, and with herself as a child He loved. The resolution of that particular part of the story brought tears to my eyes.
Although my copy came free in exchange for an honest review, I would not hesitate to highly recommend this novel to any fan of historical or inspirational fiction. The storyline caught and held my attention from the first few pages and did not let go until the book came to it's satisfying conclusion.
The most beautiful struggle in the novel, however, had to be Julia's coming to terms with God as a loving Father, and with herself as a child He loved. The resolution of that particular part of the story brought tears to my eyes.
Although my copy came free in exchange for an honest review, I would not hesitate to highly recommend this novel to any fan of historical or inspirational fiction. The storyline caught and held my attention from the first few pages and did not let go until the book came to it's satisfying conclusion.
Review Date: 10/1/2013
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished up the delightful new novel by Jen Turano, A Talent for Trouble. This was an incredibly funny and fast-moving novel that I enjoyed very much.
From the first few pages, this book had me laughing out loud. While there are several serious subjects addressed within its pages (prejudice, changing ourselves to suit others and guilt, to name just a few) the overall tone is kept light and cheerful. That is not to say that Ms. Turano glosses over the serious, but the predicaments Felicia and Grayson find themselves in are treated with levity. Truly, some of the situations are downright hilarious, such as when Felicia demonstrates her exaggerated driving skills. When Grayson's perspective is related a few pages later, I found myself unable to keep from laughing, drawing more than a few amused looks from the people at my daughter's gymnastics class!
I found the main character, Felicia, to be wonderful. She is something of a mess when she realizes she has kept her own quirky personality hidden under ruffles and bows for years in the attempt to secure the man she wrongly believes God has sent to her. As she comes to terms with her mistakes, we get to see her true fun-loving personality emerge and join her on her journey of realizing she is wonderful just as God made her, and that He does indeed have a man in mind for Felicia, one He created to be just what she needed. As she says herself, he may not be a prince charming, but he is perfect for her.
While I did receive a promotional copy in exchange for my honest review, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction and a romantic comedy. This is a fantastic read!
From the first few pages, this book had me laughing out loud. While there are several serious subjects addressed within its pages (prejudice, changing ourselves to suit others and guilt, to name just a few) the overall tone is kept light and cheerful. That is not to say that Ms. Turano glosses over the serious, but the predicaments Felicia and Grayson find themselves in are treated with levity. Truly, some of the situations are downright hilarious, such as when Felicia demonstrates her exaggerated driving skills. When Grayson's perspective is related a few pages later, I found myself unable to keep from laughing, drawing more than a few amused looks from the people at my daughter's gymnastics class!
I found the main character, Felicia, to be wonderful. She is something of a mess when she realizes she has kept her own quirky personality hidden under ruffles and bows for years in the attempt to secure the man she wrongly believes God has sent to her. As she comes to terms with her mistakes, we get to see her true fun-loving personality emerge and join her on her journey of realizing she is wonderful just as God made her, and that He does indeed have a man in mind for Felicia, one He created to be just what she needed. As she says herself, he may not be a prince charming, but he is perfect for her.
While I did receive a promotional copy in exchange for my honest review, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction and a romantic comedy. This is a fantastic read!
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