Scan barcode
A review by sparklingreader
Misfortune Cookie by Vivien Chien
3.0
Thoughts: I had trouble getting into this book. It didn’t draw me in as the others in the series had. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just didn’t work for me. I actually got a little tired of Anna May and Lana’s continual sniping at each other and the comparisons to their mother and aunt. Plus, moving the story out of Cleveland means we didn’t have the usual team for Lana to rely on as she plunges once more into a murder mystery.
What I liked: The author is very good with descriptions without being over the top with them. I love the contrast between Lana and Anna May – the issues between the sisters is very realistic and believable. (Just don’t keep pointing it out every few pages) There are enough red herrings to keep the story interesting and the tie-in to Lana’s aunt Grace keeps it all in the family. I especially liked Adam’s (Lana’s cop boyfriend) discussion with her at the end. Everything wrapped up neatly at the end without Lana ending up in a hospital or seriously injured.
What I didn’t like: As I pointed out above, the story was a little slow for me and I had enough of the comparisons of the straight-laced sister with the adventurous one (both Lana/Anna May and their mother/aunt). And, even though Anna May has had the hots for Henry for some time, I really don’t like the whole cheating with the married man storyline. Yeah, it happens, but it bothers me that someone as “don’t break the rules” as Anna May is would continue to do something like this. I’m glad she decided to break it off.
Recommendation: If you’ve read the others in the series, yes, you should read this one. It does have a satisfying ending and is a decent addition to the series.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
What I liked: The author is very good with descriptions without being over the top with them. I love the contrast between Lana and Anna May – the issues between the sisters is very realistic and believable. (Just don’t keep pointing it out every few pages) There are enough red herrings to keep the story interesting and the tie-in to Lana’s aunt Grace keeps it all in the family. I especially liked Adam’s (Lana’s cop boyfriend) discussion with her at the end. Everything wrapped up neatly at the end without Lana ending up in a hospital or seriously injured.
What I didn’t like: As I pointed out above, the story was a little slow for me and I had enough of the comparisons of the straight-laced sister with the adventurous one (both Lana/Anna May and their mother/aunt). And, even though Anna May has had the hots for Henry for some time, I really don’t like the whole cheating with the married man storyline. Yeah, it happens, but it bothers me that someone as “don’t break the rules” as Anna May is would continue to do something like this. I’m glad she decided to break it off.
Recommendation: If you’ve read the others in the series, yes, you should read this one. It does have a satisfying ending and is a decent addition to the series.
Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”