Review of the Day: A Small Fortune

Celia Donnelly comes from a long line of strong women with bad luck in husbands. Unfortunately for Celia, she has to learn of these family traits while fleeing kidnappers through the jungles of Mexico, roping her ex-lover into protecting her teenage son, and unraveling a complicated financial mystery.

Although A Small Fortune is her first published book, Audrey Braun writes like a pro, with none of the plot glitches or clunky dialog that plagues many a debut novel. Her literary style flows gracefully without weighing down the action or distracting from the story.

The only off note is the opening scene, which seems a little benign for the darker escapade to follow – more Anne Taylor than Mary Higgins Clark. But by page 30 or so, Braun has caught her stride and the story hurtles forward, never stopping until the exciting, satisfying finale. The plot becomes more complicated and layered as it progresses until the book is absolutely unputdownable.

This may fall in the category of "beach book," but don't wait for sun and sand to read this page-turner!

NOTE

I got this book from the author, who is a friend and former neighbor of mine. I warned her that I wouldn't post a review if I didn't like the book, but I am pleased to not have to rely on this back-up plan. This book was completely enjoyable. It kept me up past my bedtime several nights in a row, because I didn't want to stop.

OTHER REVIEWS

(If you would like your review listed here, please leave a comment with a link and I will add it.)

We Won!

The jury came back yesterday with a big win for my firm. I'm still giddy. And still reeling.

The story is on CNN,The New York Times, ABC, NPR, The Oregonian, and even foreign newspapers.  It's been on the tv news too and lots of blogs. The entire post-verdict press conference is on YouTube. Our client is still wide-eyed in it, but he did a good job.

This is all very exciting.

This is the first day I have had off in the last three months. I am celebrating my free time along with the trial victory by going book shopping.

Hopping Around

I am still waiting for the jury to come back in the second phase of our trial. Once they are back, this six-week trial that has consumed the last four months of my life will be over. Whew!

While I wait, I've been hopping around, visiting blogs.

Last Day of Trial!

This is our last day of trial, so things are a little hectic and I don't think I'll get a regular post up -- at least not in a timely fashion.

Legal argument are this morning and closing arguments to the jury are this afternoon. Then we are done. We have no way to guess how long the jury will deliberate, but waiting is not working. We'll be antsy but unproductive after closing arguments. I may come back to blog then.

Opening Sentence of the Day: L'Affaire

"All of Europe had been fascinated for the past few days by televised images of avalanches descending in the wake of storms on certain ski resorts and pretty villages in the Alps."

-- L'Affaire by Diane Johnson

I really enjoyed two of Johnson's earlier books about Americans in France -- Le Divorce and Le Mariage. I think this one is going to be just as good.

All three are on my French Connections list.

NOTE
Book Beginnings on Fridays is a Friday "opening sentence" event hosted by Becky at Page Turners.