A Note from an Old Acquaintance

Mar 09, 2010 Misty rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, read-in-2010, signed, awful, review-copy-accepted

I give up. I still don't care about the characters, and I find the MC irritating. It's not that it's a horrible book, I just don't care what happens, so there's no point in wasting any more time.

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Mar 16, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

From my blog...[return]Some stories stay with the reader long after the reader has finished the novel. Such is the case of Bill Walker's A Note From An Old Acquaintance, a novel of astonishing depth and breadth, of love and loss, and the universal question of what if, which makes Walker's beginning quote about chaos theory all the more apropos. The reader is introduced to Brian Weller and immediately learns four very important things; his young son is deceased, his wife Penny is in a coma, Brian...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Even though this book wasn't a hot, sinful sex type book, it was enthralling and endearing. I truly loved it. It was a forbidden love story between two artists who fell in love despite one of them being in a relationship with another man.

Brian is aspiring writer when he met Joanna, an artist who teaches art and has never sold a piece. As they get to know each other they inspire each other to be the best they can be. Unfortunately, Joanna is torn between her deep love of Brian who understands her...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: current_issues, relationships, romance

Bill Walker’s novel, A Note from an Old Acquaintance, tells a story of past love and present pain filled with questions about the future. His protagonist, Brian Weller, is the sort of author who gets half the town queuing around the block for his booksignings. But an accident has left his small son dead and his wife in a coma when this novel starts. The reader is quickly and very effectively pulled into an emotional rollercoaster of love, sorrow, determination and despair that had me eager to kn...more

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Dec 08, 2010 Melissa Caldwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 01, 2010 DKAY rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I almost didn't get a chance to read this book because there was a mixup and I didn't get it on time. I had written and said that I would pass this one up and thankfully they didn't pass that along to the author and he e-mailed me unaware that I didn't receive it, he was so nice and went ahead and sent a copy out to me anyway just to read when I got a chance and I am so glad he did. To think I almost missed out on a great book. I spent a little bit of time getting into this story and getting use...more I almost didn't get a chance to read this book because there was a mixup and I didn't get it on time. I had written and said that I would pass this one up and thankfully they didn't pass that along to the author and he e-mailed me unaware that I didn't receive it, he was so nice and went ahead and sent a copy out to me anyway just to read when I got a chance and I am so glad he did. To think I almost missed out on a great book. I spent a little bit of time getting into this story and getting used to the way the author goes back and forth with the characters and then the story just kind of took off full speed ahead. He is a very strong writer and knows just how to put you in the emotional situations and feel what these characters feel. It was a very emotional read for me and really makes you think about what you would do if put into Brian and Joanna's positions. The details of the characters in this book are very good and you get a chance to know and understand them. I was reading this book with the kids around making noises and distracting me and I had to move to another room because I really felt like I needed and wanted to put my full attention into this story. I didn't want the extra distractions because I was getting so involved in the story and at this point I just didn't want to put it down. This is a very believable love story that pulls at your heartstrings. You won't want to miss out on this one.

I would like to thank the author Bill Walker for his quick response with sending me his book. Thanks so much I am glad I didn't miss out on this one.

I was provided this book from the author Bill Walker to review. This review is of my own honest opinion on the book that I have recieved from this author free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions.

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Aug 09, 2010 Paige Prince rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: request

The book begins as Brian is trying to pick up the pieces of his heart after his wife is seriously injured and his young son dies in a car crash. You can feel his heart ache and the loneliness he feels as he struggles to deal with the fact that his wife will never wake up from the coma she’s been in for the past two years. When he receives an email from someone he knew many years ago, you can tell that there’s something more than just an old friend getting back in touch, but the author does a spe...more

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Jun 27, 2010 Kari rated it 5 of 5 stars

Emotional, passionate and poignant, A Note From an Old Acquaintance is a striking read about the power of love. With starkly contrasted characters, touching and fluid writing, and a bold storyline of passion and decision, this book holds many elements that grab the reader and pull them in from the start. Divided into three sections, the book first sets the stage of the present before transporting them back fifteen years, building the characters at that time and showing what has brought them to t...more
Emotional, passionate and poignant, A Note From an Old Acquaintance is a striking read about the power of love. With starkly contrasted characters, touching and fluid writing, and a bold storyline of passion and decision, this book holds many elements that grab the reader and pull them in from the start. Divided into three sections, the book first sets the stage of the present before transporting them back fifteen years, building the characters at that time and showing what has brought them to the present, before moving back to tie things up and reunite these impassioned lovers.

Brian is intuitive and insightful, coming from loving and strong parents who have passed much of that strength down to him. Falling for Joanna from the first time he sees her, Brian takes many risks to be with her despite knowing she’s engaged. There is a spark and connection between the two instantly, something almost tangible to the reader. As things progress, however, and Joanna’s fiancé becomes aware of the swift moving, intense affair, the potency of Brian’s character comes through in stunning ways. There is a shift between the late twenties boy of the middle section of the book and the broken, lost man of the first and final. Having always regretted letting Joanna go- something clear from the start even as he sits by his wife’s comatose body- Brian’s pain and confusion is palpable.

Joanna is a character as complex as Brian, creative and wild yet holds a potent ability to love once the right flame comes along. Despite her feelings towards her fiancé, she cannot deny the way Brian makes her feel and the freedom he gives her. While Eric keeps her restrained and on a pedestal, Brian encourages her to push her art and branch out. As a writer, Brian understands the creative freedom and constraints that come with an artful lifestyle and it is this deeper connection that also pulls the two towards each other. Her character grows and changes as strongly as Brian’s, a woman as broken over losing Brian as he was her.

Eric is a seemingly vicious man, ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants by way of business but much of that same pushing transfers into his marriage. His views of what love is and how to show it are skewed, a few well placed scenes providing some sympathy but overall the decisions this man makes, while providing a large driving force for the plot, is a hard man for the reader to like. Instead, he shows even more boldly how well suited for each other Brian and Joanna are, as well as the strength of their connection. The contrasts between Eric and Brian are innumerable, with little cross over and an easy understanding to the reader about their true selves.

The plot is, in its simplest form, an easy one- an affair during Joanna’s engagement in which she finds a man better suited for her and to whom she loves far more passionately. Yet Brian walks away, leaving her with Eric and breaking them both. When Joanna contacts him out of the blue fifteen years later, at a time when Brian’s writing career is hot despite his struggle to write his latest book yet his personal life is in shambles, the trepidation and desire he feels about replying to Joanna’s email comes through boldly. Both the past and present sections are strongly well written, building the characters and their motivations.

Though the book is written in third person, the reader slips into the minds of Brian, Joanna and Eric, learning what drives them and forging a unique connection with each. Walker’s writing is very poignant, painting vivid pictures and inducing strong emotions. There is something unique about the relationship between Brian and Joanna, a certain intensity to their affair that isn’t always present in such situations. There is a distinction between each character’s mentality despite the third person perspective, each focus tailored to the character and creating more of a first person bond.

While some events of the book are predictable and there are hints laid throughout out to explain things in advance, the main driving force of this book is what causes the lovers to separate and what they decide to do once they are back together fifteen years later. Walker includes enough subtle mystery to make the reader want to keep reader for answers but the intensity of the writing, emotions and characters keeps them hooked in a far great manner.

Overall, this book pulls the reader through the same journey the characters go on, twisting in surprising ways and instilling a flurry of emotions to different situations. The writing is strong, the plot smooth and well paced and the ending a very well done one with an understandable and explainable reason for its outcome. The strong differences in the characters- not only between each but also the past and present selves of them- create a memorable dynamic. For anyone who has ever experienced any sort of love, this is a fantastic read and an alluring one.(less)

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Apr 23, 2010 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

I quickly became engrossed in "A Note from an Old Acquaintance", a novel sent to me free for review. The story unfolds around three main characters. Brian is an aspiring writer with a strong personality, a big heart and a witty sarcastic sense of humor. Joanna is a spunky, confident artist with a captivating personality. Erik is the rich and deceptive businessman who is used to getting what he wants. Together these three form a fragile love triangle of sorts.

Opening with a tragedy this tale morp...more

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Apr 15, 2010 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brian Weller had it all; a beautiful wife, son, successful career. But then tragedy strikes and his son is dead and his wife is in a coma. He is a writer and since the accident he has been unable to create. The doctor is telling him that there is no hope for his wife's recovery. In the midst of all of this he receives an email from his first love.

Why now, he asks?

Joanna was the love of his life and she does not know why he abruptly broke off their relationship. She SEEMS to have it all; powerful...more

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Dec 05, 2009 Audrey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Before I say anything, since I really liked this book, I want to get one small thing I disliked out of the way. There were some points at which I felt slightly awkward reading the book because the dialogue just seemed so outdated. Which is weird considering it's a new book. There were times when I literally pushed the book away from me thinking "WHO says things like that?!?" Maybe it's me. Maybe I just talk differently. Also, Joanna, who is supposed to be a vegetarian Buddhist, wears fur. Which...more Before I say anything, since I really liked this book, I want to get one small thing I disliked out of the way. There were some points at which I felt slightly awkward reading the book because the dialogue just seemed so outdated. Which is weird considering it's a new book. There were times when I literally pushed the book away from me thinking "WHO says things like that?!?" Maybe it's me. Maybe I just talk differently. Also, Joanna, who is supposed to be a vegetarian Buddhist, wears fur. Which I thought was weird.
Anyhow, now that THAT's out of the way, I can say that this book really was a diamond in the rough. Bill Walker's beautiful and descriptive but simplistic prose brings alive the feelings Brian, the protagonist, suffers in the face of the tragedy through which he suffers. More than anything, though, it brings alive and renders believable the idea that two people could really love each other eternally, even if circumstances change or aren't what is needed to fuel a romance.
Brian Weller, a writer, and Joanna, an artist who is engaged to another man, fall in love, and while the story of them isn't necessarily something special, Bill Walker's telling of it is. So much so that their separation (no, I promise, that's' not a spoiler), when it occurs, is heartbreaking, leaving the reader wondering why life just has to be unfair like that sometimes. Both Joanna and Brian are endearing characters that the reader can't help but care about, and their relationship is so sweet and fresh and new that the reader can't help but smile.
Still, the afore-mentioned fiance, Erik, is a problem. How are we supposed to feel about him? I, for one, was torn. He loved Joanna, and I felt horrible rooting for Brian, knowing how Erik felt. He wasn't necessarily a bad guy; he just didn't understand. It seems to me that even Walker had mixed feelings when it came to him.
And that's one of the things that made this story so touching. Throughout the majority of the book, the reader is torn and twisted in every direction, wanting to feel one way but also wanting to feel another. Wanting at the same time to be okay with something that, in essence, is just not okay, even though it seems to be the only way.
I realize it's kind of cryptic to put things like that, but I don't want to give away anything about this heartwarming, touching, gem of a book, a book that will make you genuinely believe that true love can exist even at the worst of times.(less)

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Sep 18, 2009 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Brian Weller is a book author. He took some time off when his life was turned upside down by an accident that left his wife in a coma and his son dead. That was two years ago. Since than Brian has tried to move on with his life but he is at a stand still. He is currently working on his next novel but having much motivation. Brian finds his motivation when he receives an email from an old flame.

Joanna Richman is a famous and talented artist. Years ago, Joanna and Brian had a good thing going on...more

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Sep 22, 2010 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was really skeptical about reading this book. The cover art didn't sway me, but the book summary made take a second look. I've only read a few romances written by guys, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get into it. But, as soon as I started reading, it was hard for me to put it down.

A Note From An Old Acquaintance is a story about love and dealing with the consequences of it. It wasn’t a fast paced story, nor was it too slow. The story did flip back and forth between the past and...more

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Jul 27, 2010 Staci rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Staci by: publisher

Shelves: 2010-reads

I wasn't sure what to expect when I opened the pages of this book. At first I couldn't really make any sense of the Buddha and the rose, but after the first 75 pages that mystery was easily solved. This is the debut work of Walker and I think he did a pretty decent job. I'm not sure that he struck a chord with me as a female reader though. I found myself at times thinking the plot was a bit hokey and the characters very typical of this sort of storyline. I knew exactly how this story was going t...more

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Nov 12, 2009 Eleni ( La Femme Readers ) rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Note from an Old Acquaintance was a great love story, it had drama, romance, deceit, everything you'd want to read in a fiction novel! I was intrigued by the first page and quickly became engulfed in the storyline. I absolutely loved the characters and through Bill's extraordinary writing I learned to care for them. My favorite character, Brian was an accomplished author however tragedy hits his life when his son passes away and his wife is left in a coma. However, one day he received an e-mai...more

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Mar 28, 2010 McKenzie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Brian's son has recently died, and his wife is in a coma. His current life is a disaster, being unable to finish his next book, finding no inspiration. The day an old flame emails, however, things change forever. Brian relives his past, and experiences a new future. Told in alternating perspectives, as well as past and present, A Note From an Old Acquaintance is an emotionally gripping read that is sure to catch anyone's attention.

Ah, the world of adult novels. Self published ones (kinda) as wel...more Brian's son has recently died, and his wife is in a coma. His current life is a disaster, being unable to finish his next book, finding no inspiration. The day an old flame emails, however, things change forever. Brian relives his past, and experiences a new future. Told in alternating perspectives, as well as past and present, A Note From an Old Acquaintance is an emotionally gripping read that is sure to catch anyone's attention.

Ah, the world of adult novels. Self published ones (kinda) as well. This lovely novel proves all of the stigmas wrong: self published works are worth your time. Mr. Walker has created a fast-paced tale of three lovers caught in a heart-wrenching triangle of deceit, lies, and true love.

Bria starts out as, what I found to be, a condescending and rather pompous character. Flashing back to his past life, we see that things were not always easy for him. Throughout the course of the novel, Brian developed into a more understanding, compassionate character, something I was happy to see. Joanna, his old love interest, is an artist who has a special spark for life. I enjoyed her throughout the entire story, feeling for her and the difficult choices she had to make.

The plot was quick, but still recounted all of the events perfectly, taking the reader along for an emotional journey. You couldn't help but root for Brian and Joanna, even though they weren't showing the best of morals. I fell for their love and wanted them to be together. The novel started in the present, with Brian's life in shambles. It then flashed back to the past, describing all that occurred between Brian, Joanna, and Erik. It then jumped to the future, telling of how things turned out and how they were changing. I enjoyed the set up, as well as the alternating perspectives. Each added to the story, and heightened my anxiety.

My only problems with this novel were the nonstop use of ellipses (...) and the brand name dropping, but in the grand picture, those are rather minute details.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I would not ,however, recommend it to younger readers/young teens. I tend to read only Adult Fiction that has crossover appeal, but this novel is best left for older teens and adults. The entire story revolves around a cheating wife, her husband, and her lover. There are also a couple sex scenes which are not suitable for younger audiences. It was never icky, per se, and followed the course of a natural relationship.(less)

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Oct 23, 2009 Farrah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-reviews, my-books

How do I describe a book that touched me on different levels? How do I share a book without giving too much about the story? As I read I couldn't help but wonder "what if that was me, would I have felt and acted the same in the various situations"? Walker had me sympathizing with Brian, Joanna, and Erik. I even felt sympathy towards Nick, Mosley, and Zach for their roles in the love triangle's life. Each character had a part that made you think about their situation.

Joanna contacted Brian after...more How do I describe a book that touched me on different levels? How do I share a book without giving too much about the story? As I read I couldn't help but wonder "what if that was me, would I have felt and acted the same in the various situations"? Walker had me sympathizing with Brian, Joanna, and Erik. I even felt sympathy towards Nick, Mosley, and Zach for their roles in the love triangle's life. Each character had a part that made you think about their situation.

Joanna contacted Brian after the loss of his child and his wife is in her last bit of life on earth. I could feel his mixed emotions between his current life and his past. After a long 2 years of his wife in a coma with no hope for waking, his wife, Penny, passes away as if she knew it was time to go without worry (yes, I believe people sometimes hang onto "life" as if to wait for when a loved one is ready). As we prepare for Joanna and Brian to meet again, we're brought back to the past when they first fall in love 15 years ago and we witness Brian make the choice between his love for her and those around him. You feel his guilt and pain as he "signs" his life away believing it was for the best for all involved.

Walker had me feeling mixed emotions about Erik, Joanna's husband. I felt sorry for him, sorry that his wife did not love him as much as she loved Brian, sorry he could not seem to truly love those in his life. His past trust issues seem to keep him at a distance and not able to feel or give unconditional love to his wife and son. Erik physically had what Brian did not yet was not able to emotionally love them like he should have. When Erik just gives up in the end you're left wondering if he even really loved her or just tired of fighting.

I felt Joanna's passion for her art, Brian and her son. When she held her breathe, I held my breathe. When she felt giddy, I felt giddy. When she was lonely I felt her loneliness. And when she discovered why Brian left and got angry, I got angry.

I don't think either Brian or Joanna could have helped how they felt for each other when they met, over the years, and even when they got reacquainted. Love can be a mysterious thing and while I know cheating is not good or ethical, can true love really forever hide from it? Even emotionally? Can we truly get rid of a past love, a love that had such impact on our lives?

Great thanks to Bill Walker for sending me his book to read after I mentioned I wanted to pick up a copy. :-)

Mr. Walker was at The Book Faery Reviews not too long ago;, be sure to stop by his guest post (a href="http://tbfreviews.net/2009/10/23/a-no... he shares a bit behind his story.(less)

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Feb 28, 2010 Cheryl "Mash" rated it 5 of 5 stars

Posted here
02/25/10

A Note from an Old Aquaintance A Novel by Bill Walker (Rating 5)

At the request of The Book Trib, a PB copy was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Its 1991 in Boston, MA and Brian Weller and his business partner are invited to an associate's party, a party that he attends out of obligation. Once there he meets a young, beautiful artist, Joanna Richman. He knows that he wants and needs to see her again. Brian and Joanna's friendship grow and then there is n...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Karen S. rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: romance lovers

A Note from an old Acquaintance by Bill Walker is a romance where love gets a second chance. Young sculptor, Joanna Richman surrenders to a persistent courtship by older, successful businessman, Erik Ruby. He treats her acquisition like one of his many treasured possessions, relentless during the pursuit, but lacking in devotion after she has been acquired. After Joanna agrees to marry Erik, she meets a young aspiring writer, Brian Weller, who shares her artistic sensibilities. For the first tim...more

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Jun 27, 2010 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, books-i-own, for-review

My thoughts:

From Merriam-Webster
Main Entry: soul mate
Function: noun
Date: 1822
1 : a person who is perfectly suited to another in temperament
2 : a person who strongly resembles another in attitudes or beliefs soul mates

We hear a lot about soul mates in romance novels and on television. How many of us truly believe in them? I can tell you that I do, and an informal survey of friends and family reveals that I'm not the only one. The difference between fiction in reality is in how those relationship...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Mareena rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes contemporary romance

Recommended to Mareena by: Tracee at Pump up Your Book

Brian Weller is a haunted man: his wife has been in an irreversible coma for two years as a result of a car accident which took their little boy. He also is a struggling author who seems to have run out of ideas for his next book. Enter the love of his life from 15 years ago, Boston sculptress Joanna Richman. Brian is not sure if he wants to rekindle the relationship with Joanna, although her sudden email to him brings back poignant memories of their first meeting at a friend's party and the spa...more

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Jun 07, 2010 Davyboy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm thinking guys are a bit outnumbered here but I recently read Walker's book and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I won't take the time to wax as eloquently or in as much detail as some of the other reviewers except to say the book has a timeless theme, a refreshing pace and it certainly hit me where I live.

I don't know a single, solitary guy who hasn't experienced that one special girl who got away. To be able to find oneself in a position to recapture that lost love is unique, exciting and not witho...more

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Jul 23, 2010 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

a littel gem--smart people and loved the romance between 2 characters , some parts seem cliqued but good story-don't know I took so long to read this book.

This is little gem of lost love , and finding it again. Joanna has been following Brian's career , and after his wife dies, she sends him an email of wanting to catch up.

Joanna is married rich man, who likes to have control of situations. This book has 2 time periods of present and 1991. I did like that most of the book was the past because it...more

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Mar 14, 2010 Jennifer (Crazy-for-Books.com) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: received-for-review, received-in-2010, virtual-book-tour, general-fiction, read-in-2010, romance

This is a beautifully written love story that draws the reader in from page one. The characters felt so real that I was instantly drawn into their story, feeling their ups and downs, highs and lows. The author truly has a gift for words that kept me furiously turning the pages, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.

The story begins in 2006 where we meet Brian Weller, a bestselling author who recently lost his son in a terrible accident that left his wife in a coma. As he struggles to cope...more This is a beautifully written love story that draws the reader in from page one. The characters felt so real that I was instantly drawn into their story, feeling their ups and downs, highs and lows. The author truly has a gift for words that kept me furiously turning the pages, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.

The story begins in 2006 where we meet Brian Weller, a bestselling author who recently lost his son in a terrible accident that left his wife in a coma. As he struggles to cope with the loss, an unexpected e-mail changes everything. It is from Joanna Richman, his first true love and, arguably, the love of his life. As e-mails are sent back or forth, Brian decides to head back to Boston for a book signing and to reconnect with Joanna.

The story then shifts to 1991 when Brian and Joanna met. It was love at first sight, but Joanna isn't available. She is engaged to another man, Erik Ruby. He is mean, manipulative, and egotistical, seeing Joanna as a possession that he must own, flashing his money and stature at every moment. Even though I knew the outcome, I was rooting for Brian and Joanna, hoping things would have worked out and they could have been together. I could feel the emotions between them and truly believed that they are soul mates. Erik, learning of Joanna's affair, manages to force Brian out of her life. Although I did not agree with how Erik handled things, I can understand where he was coming from. I think he did love Joanna, but was more concerned with having a "trophy wife" than actually loving her for who she is.

The story then shifts back to 2006 and Brian and Joanna's reunion. It is heartfelt and full of emotion. But, will anything change? Will Joanna learn the truth about her husband? Will Brian and Joanna get another chance?

I was impressed with how well this story was written and how much I cared about the characters. This is truly a remarkable love story that I would very highly recommend. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

Jennifer
http://www.crazy-for-books.com (less)

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Jul 06, 2010 Bookventures Book Club rated it 4 of 5 stars

A friend told me that I would enjoy this book and I totally did. The story gripped me with its romance and suspense from the get go. Admittedly I am not a fan of romance novels because I find many of them are unrealistic and simply just too mushy but there was something about this story that resonated with me. The characters, the plot and the story were all developed tactfully and made for a truly beautiful story that I simply could not put down.

There were several themes in the story but the on...more A friend told me that I would enjoy this book and I totally did. The story gripped me with its romance and suspense from the get go. Admittedly I am not a fan of romance novels because I find many of them are unrealistic and simply just too mushy but there was something about this story that resonated with me. The characters, the plot and the story were all developed tactfully and made for a truly beautiful story that I simply could not put down.

There were several themes in the story but the one more central to it was that of true love and having second chances. Since this is the author’s first attempt at this genre, it was difficult to reference his writing style to the theme. Would Walker continue to write contemporary romance stories? I sure hope so because he has certainly used his training as a writer to create a really good piece. His writing style is also something to comment on. It is basic but yet effective. No grandeur statements or phrases to evoke a particular emotion for the reader. It is obvious that Walker used what he knew (and used it well) to help portray his characters and the emotions that they felt.

The way he told the story was another important point worth mentioning. The book is broken up into the present (2006) and the past (1990), a tactic that helped to place the whole story in perspective. The suspense was evenly distributed throughout these different periods which made that the transitions between both periods seamless and it kept the reader glued to the story.

I thought that the characters in this story were a bit different to most stories that you read. There is no clear antagonist or protagonist since every one of the characters was a victim in some way or the other. You felt sorry for the bad guy because he lived the only way he knew how to, by possessing the things that he wanted. If that statement suggests that my favourite character was the bad guy, then so be it because I connected with his character the most. Joanna, who serves as half of the protagonist in the story was my least favourite. She came across as a whinny, confused young woman who constantly complained about being misunderstood. She is a true Idealist, subscribing to all the hard and fast rules that come with the territory.

I did not want this story to end and for a new novelist to grip you in that manner it can only suggest two things, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is a really good book and Bill Walker is a novelist to watch.(less)

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Sep 02, 2009 Bridget rated it 5 of 5 stars

Brian has been hit with life's most devastatingly tragic event a parent can encounter. Not only did the horrible accident leave Brian to mourn the loss of his son, it also put his wife in a coma. Brian is left to face this life alone.

But then, one day he receives an unexpected email from someone in his past. This someone is Joanna, a woman he was once in love with. At that time the two were thrust apart by circumstances beyond their control. Fifteen years later the two are given a chance at a se...more

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Dec 04, 2009 Alexia561 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, fiction

The story started out in the present, where Brian is trying to deal with the aftermath of a horrible accident that left his wife in a coma and his little boy dead. Although it's been almost two years, the pain is still fresh and he's having a rough time. That's when he receives an email titled "A note from an old acquaintance," bringing Joanna back into his life. Then after about 50 pages, the story turns into a flashback of when Brian and Joanna first met. There's even a flashback during the fl...more The story started out in the present, where Brian is trying to deal with the aftermath of a horrible accident that left his wife in a coma and his little boy dead. Although it's been almost two years, the pain is still fresh and he's having a rough time. That's when he receives an email titled "A note from an old acquaintance," bringing Joanna back into his life. Then after about 50 pages, the story turns into a flashback of when Brian and Joanna first met. There's even a flashback during the flashback! I'd say that the bulk of the book is their back story, then we finally come back to the present.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. The flashback is a nice love story, but I didn't feel that it really connected to the first part of the book. The book started off with Brian dealing with his grief, then that's it. His wife and son rarely get mentioned in the rest of the book. And I would have really liked to have known more about Penny and how they met. I realize that this was Joanna and Brian's story, but I hungered for more.

Think I liked Brian more than I liked Joanna. He seemed nice and easy-going, even if he did get over his grief awfully fast. Joanna was supposed to be this beautiful, vivacious, talented woman who had men falling in love with her at a glance, but I thought she came off a little immature and selfish. Did not like Joanna cheating on Erik, but that's a personal quirk. Tried to understand Joanna's point of view but again, I never really warmed up to her. Also thought that the ending was wrapped up a little too fast, and was too nice and neat. A little disappointed there, but still okay with it. And without giving anything away, I appreciated that Walker resisted the urge to go down certain cliched paths with Zach.

Walker is a very talented writer, but some of the passages were a little too descriptive for my taste. Don't really need to know that many details that do nothing to move the story forward. And whenever someone mentions a brand name, I feel like it's product placement. I know that some readers really enjoy overly descriptive passages, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them. So now you know some of my reader pet peeves. That being said, I thought that all in all, the writing was well done and it was a nice story. Gave it a 3/5 rating, and would definitely read his future books.
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Sep 20, 2009 Laura de Leon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, fiction

This book was a good read, and I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I've heard the story too many times before.

The initial setup was very well done. I was drawn into the story, and to Brian in particular. I really liked Brian, both as a person I'd like to meet, and as a well drawn character. I wanted to follow his story both in the initial 2006 section, and when we went back to 1991, when Joanna and Brian initially met.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Joanna. I was intrigued by her in the begin...more

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Feb 04, 2010 Freda mans rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those romantic stories, that I can actual picture being adapted into a major motion picture. It's that good! The characters are intertwined so nicely, and the story was very well written, it was easy to read it in a day. I honestly had to know what happened.
This wasn't one of those hardcore romance novels, equipped with heaving bosoms, this was more of a story of a love that should've been. A couple valuable lessons can be learned from this book. One, greed gets you no where, and...more

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Sep 08, 2009 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have mixed feeling about this book. On the one hand, its a love story, and I love a good love story. I love a romance that lasts forever, and in the case of Joanna and Brian, it lingered for years even when they were apart. But in this story, Joanna cheats on her fiance and then again after they are married. I can understand that she and Brian had feelings for each other that never went away, but I just don't condone cheating.

That said, I liked the characters, even Erik Ruby, the husband who p...more

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title link	preview: A Note from an Old Acquaintance
avg rating	preview: A Note from an Old Acquaintance Goodreads rating: 3.93 (58 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6707300-a-note-from-an-old-acquaintance?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356053197l/6707300.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6707300-a-note-from-an-old-acquaintance?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]A Note from an Old Acquaintance by Bill Walker[/url]

A Note from an Old Acquaintance

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