Lynne M. Spreen's Blog, page 3

Having the Courage to Go Gray

At some point, many of us decide to stop coloring our hair and go back to natural. It's not a simple decision.

The post Having the Courage to Go Gray first appeared on Any Shiny Thing - Life after 50.

Some People Just Like the Feel of a Book

Great news! The paperback version of We Did This Once Before is now available. Do you like reading about midlife people? Folks who’re finding a new gear, figuring out what to do with the second half of their lives? If so, check out We Did This Once Before, now in paperback as well as ebook! […]

How about a little inspiration?

Karen, my fearless friend, is an inspiration.

At Least Let’s Die Trying – A Midlife Fiction Book Review

A story of resilience and redemption in old age.

Wondering Who We Are Later in Life

In midlife, hard questions lead to freedom.

When a Character Becomes Real

The Rebel Nun allows the reader to visit a sixth-century abbey in the throes of societal change.

Really Excited About This Upcoming Novel!

There were times in the past two years I thought I might have to give up my writing career.

Have You Been Waiting Long?

In celebration of ten years of blogging, I have decided to give it a rest. But there's a better way for us to stay in touch.

Even Good Authors Have to Start Somewhere

The Bright Side Of Disaster by Katherine Center

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Katherine Center is one of my fave authors, but I this was an earlier work, and it's not as good as her others. But even great authors have to start somewhere.

On the plus side, the main character, Jenny, is root-worthy and relatable. My first marriage was to a guy pretty much like Dean. I get it. I understand how being young and overwhelmed can lead to bad choices. Also, Jenny's mom was a normal, good person and the subplot worked to support the main story line. Her depiction of her dad was so poignant. He was a rich, successful, charismatic loser whom she loved without qualification.

On the negative: structurally, I thought this book felt "off." The crisis and Jenny's bad decision-making came pretty late. Also, too many of her solutions were in the form of other people stepping in to help her/save her. (The Meredith reappearance just at the right time was weak, IMO.) Her character arc was completed by virtue of her having a thought bubble at the end of the story, rather than taking action. The love interest was 2-dimensional. Why did he want her so badly? What was his issue, that required Jenny to be complete?

But I'm picky. It was a decent story that I enjoyed reading to the end (which was too abrupt).



View all my reviews

Even Great Authors Have to Start Somewhere

The Bright Side Of Disaster by Katherine Center My rating: 3 of 5 stars Katherine Center is one of my fave authors, but I this was an earlier work, and it’s not as good as her others. But even great authors have to start somewhere. On the plus side, the main character, Jenny, is root-worthy […]