Today’s team review is from Judith, she blogs at http://judithbarrowblog.com/
Judith has been reading The Flower Seller by Ellie Holmes
My Review:
When I read the blurb I thought the would be an easy romance to read. It was, but it isn’t only a romance; there are many twists to this story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ellie Holmes has a lovely writing style that blends in the romance of the book with the darker side of the characters
All the characters were well drawn into believable rounded characters.
The story is told mostly from the perspective of Jessie Martin, the protagonist, in first person point of view. There are other perspectives; William, sometimes the omniscient narrator but these often came into the middle of the point of view of the protagonist (what an author friend of mine call ” Head Hopping”) and it interrupted the flow of the narrative.
The dialogue is well written and easily differentiates the characters.
There are some wonderful descriptions of the settings which give a real sense of place of the market town of Abbeyleigh and the close-knit community. And the dynamics of the lawyers’ firm that Jessie works for, and the cut and thrust of the business was interestin to read
The plot is almost given away by the blurb. I would have much preferred to have known less to begin with.
I have to say I found the title a bit…er… twee, Considering the content.
And I’m sorry but it really think that blurb is too long and actually doesn’t do the book any favours. Needs to be more ambiguous,
And the types of people? !the skimmers, the bottom dwellers and the ones who dive for pearls.”? this classification would have put me off if I was a reader casually looking for a Romance to read. But, there again, this is probably just me.
Ultimately I have to say again, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to readers who like Romance with a touch of darkness to it.
Buying Links:
Amazon.co.uk:
Amazon.com:
Thank you Judith for taking the time and trouble to read and review The Flower Seller. It’s much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Ellie x
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I really did, Ellie. Jx
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What a good idea, giving advice to the author about the whole presentation. So many romance books have blurbs that give away the plot; that isn’t a blurb, it’s a synopsis.
From the author friend who calls it ‘head hopping’!!!! 🙂 Yeah, puts me off too, as you know. I’d question an editor who didn’t draw a red line through it….!
It’s good that you enjoyed it so much despite your misgivings 🙂
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Thanks, Terry. It’s a good read. And I was a little bothered that I’d pronounced on the blurb, but as it didn’t detract from the author’s writing , I thought it a fair comment. My author friend often to attention to writerly things that I find useful.
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Reblogged this on Judith Barrow.
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Thanks, Judith.
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I prefer a book with a fuzzy overview as well. I don’t want to know everything so what is the point of delving into the story. Good review, Judith. Thank you. 🙂 :-
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All in all, a very nice review, Judith. Didn’t read the blurb, but from your review, I’d say the novel still held a few surprises. Also, the colors on the cover are lovely…
Pinned & shared.
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