Limecello’s review of Falling In Love by Pauline Trent
Contemporary romance released by Zebra on 3 Feb 09
Falling In Love is Pauline Trent’s debut novel, and I kept that in mind while reading it. I’ve been looking for a “softer” romance – one that really focused on relationships, and was a “simple” contemporary. No vampires or werewolves swooping in. No blasting guns, and something relatively calm and happy. I was looking for a nice, well written contemporary romance. Falling In Love seemed like the perfect read, and for many of those things it satisfied what I was looking for. I’m glad because this is the first thing I said upon reading the review request: was ever a book blurb more vague? But in actuality, it is quite accurate.
Angie Kane is a small town girl who is happy to live in the place she loves, and grew up in, forever. Angie is 25, works at a diner, and is content to stay there. In fact, she is vehement about not moving – and is clear about that from the start of her budding relationship with the hero, Chris. Chris Montgomery is a former soldier – although we aren’t entirely clear on the finalization of that status. Chris ends up in Lambert Falls to live in the house his grandfather bequeathed him. He is attracted to Angie at first sight – and pursues her with quiet determination. Chris is a stand up guy – smart, responsible, and very sweet. Their relationship focuses on them getting to know each other, rather any physical aspect. It’s cute how they each postured at times to establish the relationship.
I enjoyed the small town setting and secondary characters. Bobby (Angie’s uncle) and Carter Anne (Angie’s sister) – the most important characters aside from the hero and heroine are very likable. They definitely add a lot to Falling In Love. I also appreciated that Ms. Trent created the small town feel, without making it obnoxious, or any character too ridiculous. Lambert Falls seems like a nice homey place, and the characters fit into it perfectly. Ms. Trent writes Angie, Bobby, and Carter Anne to be more than they seem. The interaction between all the characters was warm, and often had an undercurrent of humor.
I agonized long and hard about what grade to give this book… but in the end I had to go with a “C” because for about the last four chapters… I suffered. What I liked so much about the heroine Angie was her quiet pragmatism. She was a simple girl who had her head on straight. No temper tantrums or dramatic fits – until the end. Then, Angie spent no less than four chapters weeping, sulking, and generally being useless. I had little sympathy for her, because she was so melodramatic about only a potential break up. No death, no actual end – just the possibility of it.
I got over the excessive use of a phrase “Hand to God.” (It’s a phrase I’d never heard before, but so common in the novel that I began thinking it in my head.) I got over my pique at the Southern superiority and improper speech in dropping of syllables and consonants – because I understand “local flavor” and vernacular. I was sympathetic to Angie wanting to stay in the same place her entire life, even though she would have only been a four hour flight away. But all of that combined with some other issues, and Angie crying herself to sleep and unable to sleep for four chapters was too much for me. Color me coldhearted.
I got the impression – and really felt that this manuscript was written a number of years earlier – or at least meant to be set much earlier. First of all, Angie and Carter Anne are 25, and 21 respectively. They did not act their age at all. That would have been fine, but for some of the rather curious mannerisms and vocabulary. Words not commonly used today, and definitely not by people in their early 20s. Also, that Angie thought $12/hr was outlandishly high pay. Federal minimum wage is $6.55, and her job would have been manual labor. I know she normally makes tipping wage – but still…
There’s just a lot of practical discrepancies that kept coming up, which I could no longer ignore. That and Chris and Angie’s relationship. They take things really slowly – like high-schoolers (or today’s middle-schoolers, really). But then all of a sudden they move in together. It’s very “pan away and fade to black” in regards to sex – innuendo and no direct references. I’m not saying I expect a raunchy or graphic detailing of them getting it on – but the way the subject was addressed almost made it uncomfortable.
I don’t think it was even the specifics, so much, as… not even how naive Angie was – because she was quite sharp, actually. But… obtuse would be the best word. Angie is a bright girl, but there were some obvious machinations by other characters that Angie just took blindly. It didn’t fit with her character, and while they moved the plot along, really took away from Angie. Especially in regards to Angie starting up her own decorating business. I’d have thought I’d be a lot happier with the end – my inner girl power feminist would be jumping for joy that it was the hero who had the epiphany and decided that he was okay with doing what the heroine wanted – which then required him to give up his job. And that it is the heroine who becomes an entrepreneur.
Now don’t get me wrong – I liked the flow and serenity of Falling in Love. The story was cute and winning in it’s simplicity. The book was solidly in “B” territory for me until about chapter 17-18, and then… well, see above. Ms. Trent’s writing style and voice are unique and enjoyable. Other than a few things that I mentioned I really enjoyed Falling In Love. I would definitely be interested in reading Carter Anne’s story – if and when it is written.
Grade: C
Summary:
After years in the military, Chris Montgomery is looking for somewhere to relax and recharge, and Lambert Falls, with its tree-lined streets and picturesque town square, seems ideal. Chris expected that a stranger in town would attract suspicion and gossip. He didn’t expect to meet someone like Angie Kane, with her warm, open smile and self contained air that are instantly intriguing. Angie has built a satisfying life for herself, one she’s not willing to uproot for someone who’s just passing through. But Chris is quietly persistent – not to mention handsome and charming. Against her own better judgment, Angie finds herself falling deeper than she ever intended – until one phone call forces her to choose between the town she’s always loved, and a man she can’t imagine living without…
Read an excerpt here. (Warning: it’s a pdf.)
