Author Melody Carlson's Website . Click on the book cover to go to the Amazon page.
Book Description: Kendall's managed to wrangle her grandmother's house-free and clear-except for the rules. No male roommates. But that's ok, with the right ad she'll pull in some girls, their rent and if she's lucky, she won't have to go to work any time soon.
For their part, Anna, Lelani, and Megan all have their reasons for wanting to move in: Anna has got to get out from under her overprotective parents; Lelani can't take another day in her aunt's tiny crackerbox house overflowing with toddlers and Megan needs a place free of her current roommate from Hades.
Though they come with assorted extra baggage filled with broken hearts and dreams, they will discover they also have a vast array of hidden strengths. And they struggle to become the women they want to be, they'll find new hope and maybe even Kendall will learn a thing or two about life, love and the true meaning of friendship.
Sound great? Just click here to read the first chapter.
My Review:
Each character brings a pile of baggage and a box or two of issues as the Bloomberg series begins. Kendall, Megan, Lelani and Anna are strangers who become new intimates. Toes are stepped on, space is invaded and renovation occurs within each character before the book ends. However, there is much room for future character development as the obvious and not so obvious issues barely began to unpack in book one.
There are several chick-lit style scenarios, girlfriend bonding, job shuffling and guy stuff, but the story is told in 3rd person POV through the four different female characters. Because of the style, chick-lit lovers may find it less than satisfying because there is limited intimacy. Fans of Yada-Yada books may enjoy the multi-character format, but there is a limited amount of God talk. It was a quick and enjoyable read, perfect if you want a light serving of drama.
Thanks Kelly. I guess I wasn't very tolerant, huh? But reading this book took me back to those awful days of my freshman year when I was so rudely introduced to a whole dorm full of Kendall-type young ladies. (BIG SHUDDER!)
ReplyDeleteThen later on in college, my Junior Year I took one of those rich Kendall types home with me and made her work in our family's chicken house - rotten chickens and all - out of pure spite. When I finally confessed my crime, she never spoke to me again. Funny thing, I beat her out of Junior class presidency in one of the hottest elections since Bush won Florida. So ha! and ha again!
Can you tell I was reading with bias? I just don't like Carlson's characters.
No problem! I understood your comment! I did understand the other three a little better than Kendall too, but the overall effect of the book just left me wanting to scream "GROW UP!"
ReplyDeleteI guess every adult in my life was mentally screaming that at me when I was in my twenties too. Oh well....I'll get there one day! He! He!
Good review. This is a finalist for the CFOM. You'll find out if you're blog is picked in a few weeks. :)
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