‘THE IDEA OF YOU’ BY AMANDA PROWSE

 

THE IDEA OF YOU (Lake Union Publishing, an imprint of Amazon Publishing) is a well-written novel that touches a delicate subject: the incapacity to carry a pregnancy to full term. Fortysomething Lucy yearns to have a child with her hubby but after several failed attempts—plus the sudden arrival of her husband’s troubled teen daughter from another marriage—the very thought of giving life starts to put a strain on her relationships. When past secrets resurface and threaten to destroy everything she had worked for it’s up to Lucy to decide what’s really important: a bundle of joy or happiness without?     

This is a surprisingly good find. Had I not received it as a complementary gift from the publisher I would have never known it existed. Just go to show you that sometimes life has a way of throwing some curveballs that in the end are exactly what you need.  Sort of like the goings on of this heroine, come to think of it. 

I’ll admit, the subject matter is far from being my cup of tea. Perhaps it’s due to the simple fact that being childless I never felt the need to procreate, of better yet, adopt. Though I must say that it did come to mind recently while reading this book (in exchange from an honest review for NetGalley); so much so that I’m beginning to wonder if I am not missing something. But moving on. One thing is certain, however, this is not the last time I’m going to pick up an Amanda Prowse novel.  Her talent for plunging the readers right into the nitty gritty of her narratively affairs makes for a sophisticated novel worthy of any heart-wrenching offering. I wouldn’t be surprised if the story has already been optioned for the Lifetime channel or something like it. Yes, THE IDEA OF YOU is a must-read, whether you connect with the topic or not. It will leave you yearn for more, which is just perfect if based on the author’s impressive backlist.  

 

THE IDEA OF YOU is available wherever digital or conventional books are sold.

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

 

 

‘THE BEST OF TIMES’ BY PENNY VINCENZI

I was in the middle of Penny Vincenzi’s THE BEST OF TIMES (Headline, 2009) when my hubby phoned to say that he had had a major car accident on the freeway. He had lost control on the icy road and the vehicle rolled over twice. Fortunately and miraculously he was left with only a sprained shoulder besides having had the fright of his life. THE BEST OF TIMES deals with the same topic that unexpectedly hit close to home, the after-effect of a devastating car crash on a bunch of victims and rescuers. From the inspiring actress who yearns to forget she even was in the lorry that started it all to the kind-hearted married doctor who pays dearly for having had his mistress on sight, not to mention the star-crossed lovers who almost lost the chance or reuniting after 60 years—those are only some of the fascinating people highlighted in this doorstopper of a novel. 

Indeed, THE BEST OF TIMES reaches 880 pages and not once does it feel overwritten. It is an easy breezy read from cover to cover. The author is an ace at delivering multi-plotted situations. Her narrative, as well as her characterization, is fresh and oh so well-handled. I could go on and on praising the novel, just as I could go on and on talking about the plot and subplots but as always I prefer saying as little as possible so you can savor it just as I did. One thing I will admit, however, is that throughout my reading journey many a time I found myself smiling, cringing, and shedding a tear or two while hoping resolutions would eventually come for these lovable but flawed people. Many nights I stayed awake just to get to that finish line of a conclusion. I would have read hundreds of pages more, even, had it been the case.  

Those who religiously follow this blog may remember me stating that I intended to read Penny Vincenzi’s novels chronologically. I am of course aware that I skipped many titles to get to this one. The reason might be the parallel it has with the accident my hubby experienced on that faithful day. I believe nothing is left for chance. Color me gullible but THE BEST OF TIMES may have been right there just so I could cope better with the situation. When death is just around the corner, the perspective of mortality becomes a whole new ballgame. I believe that what these fictitious people went through gave me the leeway to a connection far beyond my imagination. Farfetched to some perhaps but to me it’s clear as daylight. And for that, Miss Vincenzi, I will always be grateful. 

 

 

You can still get this title wherever digital or conventional books are sold.

 

 

Until next post—Martin

US edition

 

 

‘THE MASTER STROKE’ BY ELIZABETH GAGE

 

Why not focus yet again on an Elizabeth Gage novel, sweet readers, like her third outing THE MASTER STROKE (Pocket, 1992) which, by the way, has nothing to do with Picasso or the likes (that would be INTIMATE, her latter work). Indeed, this time it’s the birth of the computer that dominates this energic tale of passion and revenge which starts in the mid-50s and ends up around the early ‘60s. Computers, really?! But don’t be fooled. If anyone could make an unsexy and bland topic riveting it certainly is Elizabeth Gage. The way her story unfolds—with her rich narrative, well-defined characterization and her astute chapter hooks—can only put THE MASTER STROKE in a class of its own. 

 

Of course the novel has its faults. Her provocative heroine may be an electronics genius but what an idiot she is at romance. In fact, all of Gage's characters stink at love. And boy does she make them suffer for it. From incest to rape to murder, THE MASTER STROKE screams of clichés, yet with her skillful ways Gage succeeds in making this a powerful experience. Yes, good prevails over evil in the end, but the path to there is one heck of a ride, I’m telling you. 

Or am I just biased because it’s a Gage? The truth of the matter is I doubt it. I’ve been around this block too much to be clueless about that simple fact. So does THE MASTER STROKE make it Gage’s strongest book?  Not by a long shot. That would be her debut classic A GLIMPSE OF STOCKING. But compared to many novels of the same era it is certainly a strong one. I doubt you’ll be bored by it— again even with a topic as mundane as this one. It just proves to you that Elizabeth Gage could make anything fun, even her grocery list. 

 

Until next post—Martin

UK edition