I am only just starting this book and it's awful. I am one of those people who can't stop reading something once they've started, so unfortunately, I'm trapped.I keep hearing my elementary school teacher's voice in my head lecturing me on the importance of showing and not telling when writing stories. Why didn't Joanna Carl listen to her teachers? Way too much telling and no showing.The original reason I decided to read this book was to try something lighthearted and unfortunately, because it is so badly written, it's causing me more stress than if I had chosen something more controversial.The main character is supposed to be 29 years old and the author dresses her and has her acting like a seventy year old. Also, the book is filled with ridiculous lines like, "After all, there's no point in being half Dutch if you don't flaunt your naturally blond hair now and again." What? I'm half Dutch and am a brunette...my dad is full Dutch and is the same, as are his siblings, my grandmother, and grandfather. Of all of my relatives who still live in the Netherlands, the majority are brunettes and very few are blond. Why is the author writing in bad, irrelevant stereotypes?When I finally finish this thing, I'm sure there will be more to add to my outrage so I'm going to stop now. Save yourself the trouble and don't read this book.So I finished this thing and am glad it's over with.Yuck.
3 1/2 StarsRead~February 27, 2010Well! My wish (from the last book) was granted!! Much better storyline, the bad "person" wasn't immediately known (though I had idea's of who it was, it wasn't in the first couple of chapters like in the previous books) and the "why" was interesting as well. I still love these characters. And as she fleshes them out, they really become very enjoyable to spend time with. And yes, the storyline was better, but still, there is PLENTY of room for growth. I am hoping these just continue to grow and flourish as they go on!!All-in-all,good read!
Do You like book The Chocolate Frog Frame-Up (2003)?
This one was a bit sad because the victim was not very bright. He was more misunderstood then anything and although no one deserves to die most characters you seem to see in books as the victim have been made out to be unlikable but this guy wasn't. I almost cried when they found the Chocolate Frog. The book ends well and I think the couple even goes one step further on the romance path but they are still agonizingly slow but at least they're officially together now. I stalled after this one due to the annoying bit but think I'll see about getting a few more in the series which by the way would be in the parameters of my book resolutions.
—Robin (RBBR)
