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A Work of Art: A Novel
Letting go after her abrupt break-up with Samson is harder than Julene thought it would be, especially since her ex has wasted no time in burying himself in the local dating scene. But during an extended visit to her parents overseas, Julene rediscovers her love of art, and a burgeoning career develops. Samson, on the other hand, after trying valiantly--and unsuccessfully--to forget Julene, has settled instead on his own new career.
When Julene returns home to Australia, a coincidental meeting leads to an emotional reunion--but her love and patience will be tested when she finds out just how busy Samson has been in her absence. Yes, they have both made mistakes they can work through and move past--but when a specter from Samson's past looms, Julene wonders: Can she trust him again?
When Julene returns home to Australia, a coincidental meeting leads to an emotional reunion--but her love and patience will be tested when she finds out just how busy Samson has been in her absence. Yes, they have both made mistakes they can work through and move past--but when a specter from Samson's past looms, Julene wonders: Can she trust him again?
- GenresChick Lit
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 2, 2017
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308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 13, 2017
Thank you to She Writes Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with the main characters, Julene and Samson, going about their daily lives. It was then understood that they recently had a breakup but we don't know the cause. The mystery of that breakup didn't last very long as the cause was revealed just a couple of chapters in. After the breakup, Julene discovers her passion for art again and became successful. As well, the situation Julene finds herself in can be related to by many women. However, the story lacked the insightfulness that could have been achieved through better writing execution. The characters' actions also didn't feel true or realistic given the situation. Samson, who have been warming his sheets with another woman dumps her and automatically Julene takes him back even though the breakup was so bad she had to leave town for six months?
As a reader, I like when authors show me their world they want to portray. There was too much telling in this book and even so, the description or lack thereof in certain parts, missed the mark. One of my favorite hobbies is drawing, and considering the vocation of the character, I expected some description of Julene's art process. It was just told that her art magically gets created and accepted by the art world, I don't think I ever got a sense of what her art would look like. I felt like I got the summary of the characters day-to-day activities in each chapters. It got mundane and boring really quickly. The dialogue felt forced and some situations felt very awkward. For example, Julene and her date laughing hysterically over her use of the word "pizzazz". Not sure why or how it was so funny, or was it an Aussie joke that I completely missed?
I had to force myself to finish the book in order to give this a fair rating. Unfortunately this book did not work for me.
The book opens with the main characters, Julene and Samson, going about their daily lives. It was then understood that they recently had a breakup but we don't know the cause. The mystery of that breakup didn't last very long as the cause was revealed just a couple of chapters in. After the breakup, Julene discovers her passion for art again and became successful. As well, the situation Julene finds herself in can be related to by many women. However, the story lacked the insightfulness that could have been achieved through better writing execution. The characters' actions also didn't feel true or realistic given the situation. Samson, who have been warming his sheets with another woman dumps her and automatically Julene takes him back even though the breakup was so bad she had to leave town for six months?
As a reader, I like when authors show me their world they want to portray. There was too much telling in this book and even so, the description or lack thereof in certain parts, missed the mark. One of my favorite hobbies is drawing, and considering the vocation of the character, I expected some description of Julene's art process. It was just told that her art magically gets created and accepted by the art world, I don't think I ever got a sense of what her art would look like. I felt like I got the summary of the characters day-to-day activities in each chapters. It got mundane and boring really quickly. The dialogue felt forced and some situations felt very awkward. For example, Julene and her date laughing hysterically over her use of the word "pizzazz". Not sure why or how it was so funny, or was it an Aussie joke that I completely missed?
I had to force myself to finish the book in order to give this a fair rating. Unfortunately this book did not work for me.
April 13, 2017
Copy received through NetGalley
This book is too fast-pace, even for me. There is an amazing story in it, but it isn't told the right way. It's frustrating because I think there was some interesting characters here too, but they got lost. The writing style in the book, and the execution of it don't do it justice.
If I was judging on just story, this would've been strong 4 stars, but I can't give them with everything else going on.
This book is too fast-pace, even for me. There is an amazing story in it, but it isn't told the right way. It's frustrating because I think there was some interesting characters here too, but they got lost. The writing style in the book, and the execution of it don't do it justice.
If I was judging on just story, this would've been strong 4 stars, but I can't give them with everything else going on.
April 29, 2017
A Work of Art is not a masterpiece, unfortunately. Its premise is tried and true: a woman breaks up with her cheating boyfriend and later discovers she's pregnant. Said ex goes on to sleep with everything with two legs after the breakup until he discovers his ex is pregnant, then does everything he can do to get her back.
I guess my main problem with A Work of Art is that it's all rather flat. There is nothing particularly interesting or unique about Julene or Samson and their actions and reactions. They're not horrible people, but they're not particularly nice people either. They're just...there, bland and boring. The intimate scenes are fade to black, which is something that when done well and within an interesting story with interesting characters, can be OK. Here, however, it just adds to the flat aspect of the entire story.
I couldn't connect to, or relate to, any of the characters, nor did I like any of them. The whole thing is just rather unlikable, with tons of unnecessary detail that feels too much like telling with little passion involved. A Work of Art is just not enough for me: not enough passion, not enough sweetness, not enough excitement, not enough strong emotion, not enough, period.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
I guess my main problem with A Work of Art is that it's all rather flat. There is nothing particularly interesting or unique about Julene or Samson and their actions and reactions. They're not horrible people, but they're not particularly nice people either. They're just...there, bland and boring. The intimate scenes are fade to black, which is something that when done well and within an interesting story with interesting characters, can be OK. Here, however, it just adds to the flat aspect of the entire story.
I couldn't connect to, or relate to, any of the characters, nor did I like any of them. The whole thing is just rather unlikable, with tons of unnecessary detail that feels too much like telling with little passion involved. A Work of Art is just not enough for me: not enough passion, not enough sweetness, not enough excitement, not enough strong emotion, not enough, period.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
FirstLine The lock disengaged and the door clicked open, squeaking gently.
REVIEW: I am a believer is love and in second chances and this book highlights both. A story that beautiful and moving and give all us hopeless romantics hope.
REVIEW: I am a believer is love and in second chances and this book highlights both. A story that beautiful and moving and give all us hopeless romantics hope.
February 23, 2017
I was hopeful when A Work of Art appeared in the post. The cover is gorgeous and the blurb intriguing so expectations were high.
In short, I wasn't disappointed. Lally makes you like her characters with her frank, engaging style, then runs you through the wringer along with them before leaving you satisfied. I can't say too much without giving away the plot but I will say that I read this book in one sitting and will definitely be revisiting it again.
Fans of Liane Moriarty should love this one. I certainly did.
In short, I wasn't disappointed. Lally makes you like her characters with her frank, engaging style, then runs you through the wringer along with them before leaving you satisfied. I can't say too much without giving away the plot but I will say that I read this book in one sitting and will definitely be revisiting it again.
Fans of Liane Moriarty should love this one. I certainly did.
May 4, 2017
A Work of Art is beautifully done. The characters are so well written you can easily imagine them. The growth of the characters and the events thrown at them throughout the book kept you wanting to read more. You want the best for the characters, hoping that life doesn't ruin the opportunity of love. Situations have you thinking about what you would do if it happened to you. A great book for Lally's debut. Looking forward to more great books from her!
June 9, 2017
This was a fun read. The course of love never runs smooth as is told in this novel. Julene and Samson have a rocky courtship that ends in separation only to be reunited again. They are a likable couple that are constantly being in turmoil because of a lack of communication and assumptions. Loved thses two and really enjoyed their ups and downs. Ms. Lally tells a story that leaves one rooting for her characters. Thanks to Goodreads.
January 6, 2018
Who doesn't love a love story? This one is filled with two beautiful people, spice, and a bit of drama too. I especially liked the fact that A Work of Art was written by someone from Australia. Based upon the language used and the descriptions, it felt as if I was in her home country. I am so glad it ended like it did! And the cover on this book is absolutely exquisite!
May 11, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the Goodreads First-reads program.
March 21, 2017
Good story, very poorly executed.
Full review here: https://gingernutblog.wordpress.com/2...
Full review here: https://gingernutblog.wordpress.com/2...
February 17, 2017
Thanks to She Writes Press for the ARC via NetGalley!
May 20, 2017
It took me just over a day to get through this book - I so wanted to see how it would end for Julene and Samson! This star-crossed couple was charming and relatable, with doubts, dreams, and flaws that anyone can understand. Their story's ups, downs, twists and turns were light enough to enjoy as a beach read, but unexpected enough that you were kept wondering how love could overcome the challenges they set up for themselves.
May 2, 2017
This is a great first novel from Micayla Lally. It is a perfect beach read or late night with a glass of wine read. The characters are believable. The premise is outrageous. And the whole thing comes together so nicely until two thirds of the way through when you are hit with something potentially awful. You are left to wonder, What would I do in this awful situation? A little slow to start, but after a while I couldn't put it down. Lally also has a comfortable easy tone to her writing so that her characters could be people you know in your own life. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews