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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I've read a few of Spencer's books before but I didn't know what this one was about when I picked it up even though I've had it on my shelves for a few years now (must have picked it up at a library sale!) Considering that I've been watching both Nashville and Chasing Nashville recently, it was a timely reading choice! This is the story of Tess McPhail, small town girl gone country superstar huge. She's returned to her small town to take care of her mother after a surgery and has to deal with conflicting emotions as she encounters some who are happy about her success and some who are not. She also has to wrestle with some of her own assumptions and the high school snobbery she thought she'd left behind, especially with the boy next door who is no longer the nerd he once was.
It's a cute little romance, especially in light of the recent tv show popularity on the Nashville scene. In Tess' world, she counts some of the big names in 1997 country world as her colleagues and friends, so it was amusing to see her getting calls or invites from Vince Gill or Alan Jackson...it's not a big part of the story but it was kind of cute/funny when it happened. Those familiar with songs and performers, as well as styles, from country music may find it entertaining to read, but occasionally dated as well since the names very definitely pinpoint this to a specific time period.
I had some issues occasionally with both Tess and with another character, Casey, that interrupted my enjoyment of the story. There were times when their phrasing or reactions seemed over the top stereotypical. Casey in particular seemed to waver from the expected seventeen year old girl into wise grandma mode or total country bumpkin mode at random times. Because of this, I had a hard time fully committing to any of these characters; they never felt completely possible to me and this really seemed like the kind of story where the reader was expected to feel like these people could be their friends and neighbors.
It was still a pleasant way to spend cold evenings under the covers, but I've enjoyed others by Spencer much more.
It's a cute little romance, especially in light of the recent tv show popularity on the Nashville scene. In Tess' world, she counts some of the big names in 1997 country world as her colleagues and friends, so it was amusing to see her getting calls or invites from Vince Gill or Alan Jackson...it's not a big part of the story but it was kind of cute/funny when it happened. Those familiar with songs and performers, as well as styles, from country music may find it entertaining to read, but occasionally dated as well since the names very definitely pinpoint this to a specific time period.
I had some issues occasionally with both Tess and with another character, Casey, that interrupted my enjoyment of the story. There were times when their phrasing or reactions seemed over the top stereotypical. Casey in particular seemed to waver from the expected seventeen year old girl into wise grandma mode or total country bumpkin mode at random times. Because of this, I had a hard time fully committing to any of these characters; they never felt completely possible to me and this really seemed like the kind of story where the reader was expected to feel like these people could be their friends and neighbors.
It was still a pleasant way to spend cold evenings under the covers, but I've enjoyed others by Spencer much more.
I really enjoyed my first LaVyrle Spencer.
We meet MacMcPhail, she has been ordered home by her older sisters to look after their Mother, who is going into hospital for her 2nd hip replacement surgery. She is reluctant to be home and feels the stress and tension from her family. She also makes reaquantence with friends from school, including the 'dork' from school, plus she helps a young teen to find her place in the world.
This is a story of mac finding where she really belongs, realising that maybe some changes are not really needed, even though you think they should. Mac is a lovely character who really only wants to do what is best for those she loves. I liked the interaction between herself and her mother. I found one of Mac's sisters a right pain and felt she needed to grow up.
Will definitley be reading more books from this author.
We meet MacMcPhail, she has been ordered home by her older sisters to look after their Mother, who is going into hospital for her 2nd hip replacement surgery. She is reluctant to be home and feels the stress and tension from her family. She also makes reaquantence with friends from school, including the 'dork' from school, plus she helps a young teen to find her place in the world.
This is a story of mac finding where she really belongs, realising that maybe some changes are not really needed, even though you think they should. Mac is a lovely character who really only wants to do what is best for those she loves. I liked the interaction between herself and her mother. I found one of Mac's sisters a right pain and felt she needed to grow up.
Will definitley be reading more books from this author.
Read this for the first time sitting on a screen porch overlooking Lake Winnepisaukee late in the season as darkness fell. Much as I like the story and the characters' transformations and interactions, the setting had to have something to do with my feelings toward the story.
This is definitely not my typical read, but I have to say I really enjoyed this book. There were definitely some parts where I was .. not bored but also didn’t care for it?.. It was a good quick read and a little romance never hurt anyone
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It's not highbrow literature, but I just love this book and reread it every year (at least!).
I liked this and it's one I've re-read. However, it's also as if the author tried too hard to write a country-music themed story. The main character of Tess is simply a veiled attempt at writing a character based on Reba McEntire.
That said, I ultimately liked the story and I do like Tess. I like how she changes and grows throughout the book. She's selfish and jaded at first. Her stardom is important to her and she resents being called home to care for her elderly mother. As the story progresses, a bit predictably perhaps, Tess learns that family is important and she can, indeed, have both.
The story is full of great characters and some laugh-out-loud funny parts. Kenny and Tess' romance is subtle, but believable. Faith is a little too good to be true, but Casey is hysterical. Overall a feel-good book and an enjoyable, easy read.
That said, I ultimately liked the story and I do like Tess. I like how she changes and grows throughout the book. She's selfish and jaded at first. Her stardom is important to her and she resents being called home to care for her elderly mother. As the story progresses, a bit predictably perhaps, Tess learns that family is important and she can, indeed, have both.
The story is full of great characters and some laugh-out-loud funny parts. Kenny and Tess' romance is subtle, but believable. Faith is a little too good to be true, but Casey is hysterical. Overall a feel-good book and an enjoyable, easy read.
I really liked this book and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes