Having tried my hand at writing a novel I can truly appreciate
the work that Lance has put into this book. I never got as far as he has and
for good reason, it is a lot of work!
I believe he has talent, although this edition is rough
around the edges. Throughout the book you will find typos, syntax and printing
errors. As someone has already commented on, it could have used a more refined
touch with the proof reading before publication. The dialog is a little shallow
and much at times and the transition from one scene to another was a little
jolting for me at times. Once I actually had to put it down as it was becoming
too, too much jumping from one place to another. That was more in the front of
the front though; around the 9th chapter.
That said, I enjoyed reading the novel. The characters were
genuine and believable. I came to think of Sarah as a friend, watching vicariously
as she was thwarted in her relationship with Rick by several characters in the
book only to triumph as she and Rick rediscover love. Emotionally it triggered feelings of
first love, even though they had each been in love before.
The setting contains many elements that resonate with me;
mountains, horses, fishing, hiking, all invoking a feeling of peace and
well-being. I felt it was given the most attention to detail and I was able to
visualize myself there. A wonderful backdrop to a budding romance.
My greatest surprise was that a man could write such a
sensitive novel so well. I believe the fact that it was written by a man though
was a redeeming factor for me. It kept the novel from going to the gooey place
other romance novels go. (yes, I know I said I do not read them, but I have
read their jackets and I have had friends that feel the need to share the books
they read with the intent of trying to convert me. The result is only to make
me avoid them all the more.)
As an avid reader, I have read the early works of many authors and I have found them to be rough
around the edges at times and yet those authors have gone on to become very
successful. Some that come to mind that I have read are Robin Cook, Dean Koontz
and Robin Hobb. I can foresee, with help
and persistence, how Lance could be able to join those ranks.
If this book is fleshed out a little more, transitions from
one scene to the next smoothed out for a
better segway and a little more attention given to editing, it could be more of
a gem than the uncut stone that it is at this time.
I was given my copy of the book by the author. I told him I
AM NOT a romance novel reader. This is as close as I have ever gotten to reading
one. I avoid them as they generally have no interest for me. I enjoy a good Sci
- fi, fantasy fiction, thriller, or drama. I agreed to read this book with the
understanding that I was not a romance reader, but would give it a try as I was intrigued by the
element of colour used by Sarah. It gave
her character an element of fantasy, an
intriguing twist reminding me of a novel I read by Brandon Sanderson. Sadly I felt this was not developed as well as
it could have been. He still sent me a copy though. :)
Bottom line, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it to others.
I could not have summed it up better.
