Title: She Woke Up MarriedAuthor: Suzanne MacPherson
Genre: Contemporary
Year published: 2005
Series information: a stand-alone title, but you can read about friend Marla's earlier romance in MacPherson's Risky Business.
Book Review Rating: Very Good
Why did you get this book? I've been trying to read books by members of the Seattle chapter of the RWA. MacPherson's a member, and this title intrigued me.
Do you like the cover? Love the cover! Great cartoon figures--especially the expression on the female. No uncanny valley here.
What were the high points of the book? To those readers who wish that writers would tackle realistic, modern issues in their books: this is a book for you! We've got post-partum depression, money worries, and even confidence issues based in the hero and heroine's income gap. Moreover, the secondary folks were strong characters, portrayed as complicated individuals and always pushing the plot forward. Turner Pruitt was an intriguing hero, as well. As a devout Elvis-impersonating minister, his relationship with God played an interesting role in the text. (Flitgirl, remember that discussion we once had about religion in romance tending towards the obnoxiously sappy and/or melodramatic? Meet Turner, a totally believable and complex man of faith.)
What really got to me was the relationship between the two characters. As we all know, I'm a sucker for couples who started out as friends. Plus, I just think that it's more believable when the hero and heroine have a prior relationship before they go at it like rabbits. I won't spoil the nature of their history for you. Suffice to say that it's sweet.
Finally, this writer created some truly hilarious moments. Witness:
She'd been like a vision: same crazy red hair, same beautiful, flashing green eyes. Granted, she'd had a champagne bottle in one hand and had been swigging straight out of it every few minutes. Also, it had been slighlty indelicate of her to catcall at him to "Take it off, preacher boy! Take it all off!" But he'd thrown her his silk scarf just the same. (6-7)
Any low points of the book? These two were also so clearly meant for each other--and struggling through such compelling problems--that I really wanted more page time to enjoy their happy ending!
Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again? I vaguely remember reading something by this author when I had my wisdom teeth pulled... so for all intents and purposes, yes, a new author. I would definitely read something by her again!
Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a library copy, so I don't own it. However, I'm recommending it to you. I'm also going to put this on my UBS must-buy list.
Anything else? I think more romance novels should feature Men Who Sing. Carrying a tune is sexy--worked for Turner Pruitt, worked for Cal Morissey. Authors, it could work for your hero, too!
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6 comments:
I'm test-driving a new review format. I stole it from Brianna's Mommy and added a few things. Feedback on the format would be much appreciated!
Hmmm, I prefer a more freewheeling approach. Not sure I want to be this boxed in. I need to be free to fly, Kate. The heart wants what it wants.
This is also in my TBR pile (books I claimed before leaving work). Glad to hear it's good. Maybe I'll read it next.
Oh, Flit. I would never try to box you in!
This is purely for me... on the days when my brain is Jell-O and I can't come up with an actual free-form review. Which, as the temperature climbs, seems to be happening more and more frequently.
Yep. Never underestimate the sexiness of a man who can sing. I've never understood why there are so few guys in choir- straight boys there are like free ice cream- infrequent and irresistible. Plus back rubs are often a part of warmups. Man, I want to see a book about romance in choir.
Holy crap, jaime, I am your girl to write that book. I spent more time in choirs than any one woman ever should. I'm still in a choir at my church. And I too know the impossible allure of the choirboy...
I couldn't write a choir romance novel if my life depended on it... my choir experience was in middle school, a decidedly unsexy time.
However, I know the allure of men who can sing... in musical theater. How marvelous would that novel be to write? Actually, it will probably be a central component of the YA novel I write someday...
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