This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
REVIEWED BY AMANDA KEATS
April is turning 30 and runs a successful restaurant which is all the passion she can handle in her life until she discovers something on the morning of her birthday that will change her life forever. Her mother, Valerie – a Martha Stewart of sorts – shares April’s birthday and is mortified when her real age of 60 is announced on the radio (as she pretends to be nearer 50 than 60 to keep up with her TV image). But events are about to take place which will force April and Valerie to start re-evaluating what they want out of life, whether they are ready to or not.
First off, let me say I was very excited about getting this book. It looks gorgeous (the cover is ridiculously pink and girly) and Steel obviously is an incredible story-teller as the woman has had so many books published it’s a wonder the planet has room to house them all! I had never read a Steel but wanted to see what all the fuss was about… sadly, this book left me still wondering.
It has a very American style which some readers may like but I personally didn’t. This is the first Novelicious book I have really wanted to stop reading. It bored me silly. The writing is clearly that of a skilled author – there was just too much of it. The story could have been told in half the time. Overall, I found it patronising and tame, even when very dramatic events are taking place. The core issue I have with it is why Steel feels the need to explain every single point. Nothing is left to your own imagination. I prefer books that allow the reader to use their imagination, where the text implies things using dialogue and actions of the characters involved. Steel, however, makes a point then spends two pages explaining the reason behind it. The editor in me just wanted to attack the book with red pen and start cutting.
I also found it incredibly sickly that everyone seems to like each other – not sure what that says about me. April’s parents have been divorced a long time but they are still the best of friends and want nothing but great things for each other. Dad’s wife is also friends with mum Valerie and April adores her two half-sisters so much she lets them help out working in her restaurant for some extra pocket money. She’s terrified about disappointing daddy with her big news but of course he is the epitome of love and understanding. Basically, the reader always knows that whatever happens, everything will be fine because their security blanket is so unbearably massive that nobody in this family could feel alone or upset for more than a minute before someone came along to make them feel better. I’m all for family solidarity but surely nobody is THAT nice!?
I would love to know from Steel’s fans if this is a one off or if all her books read like this?
3/10
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