|
Publisher:
Kensington Pub Corp |
Release
Date: January 2004 |
ISBN:
0758206267 |
Awards:
|
Format
Reviewed: Paperback |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Fiction |
Reviewed:
2004 |
Reviewer:
Lynda E. Lukow |
Reviewer
Notes: Sex: Implied, Some profanity and drug use |
Copyright
MyShelf.com |
|
The
Wife of Reilly
By Jennifer Coburn
Prudence Malone's
journey to self-discovery is a meandering path littered with poor
choices. She tosses away her too-comfortable marriage for the passion
of a rekindled college romance. To alleviate her guilt for getting
engaged before beginning divorce proceedings, she embarks on a journey
to find her soon-to-be ex-husband's next wife.As if her life isn't
complicated enough, the "sperm donor" who left her fatherless
at the impressionable age of twelve suddenly strives to reestablish
a father/daughter relationship.
Ms. Coburn
does an excellent job with characterizations. She paints her controlling
protagonist for what she truly is-a manipulative, lost soul acting
like everything is peaches and cream when her world is really falling
apart. Prudence's best friends portray loyalty at its finest. Her
father's remorse rings true. Reilly's sympathy proves he is doubtlessly
the nice guy Prudence allowed to slip away.
Settings
are detailed without being overdone. Prudence's efforts to find
her replacement give humorous insights into the singles scene; unfortunately,
the witty beginning dwindles away to bittersweet reality as Prudence
eventually matures. "The Wife of Reilly" is definitely
an original plot that clearly defines the often-blurry line between
chick lit and romance. An entertaining read, but not intended for
starry-eyed readers looking for "happily ever after." |