Thursday, March 19, 2009

One Way An Author Might Tell You What She Thinks Of You

People who read my blog know that I am not a very well rounded reader.  I love to read, (and I'm still a little more well rounded than I'd like to be in some ways (ahem)) but you can't really put those things together in reference to me.  I don't have access to many books and even if I did, I'm likely to just stick to the classics that I love.  

Annette Lyon knows this, but she's a good writer, and wants to get a fair representation of all types of readers on her blog book tour.  Which is why she asked me to be part of it.  That is totally unfair of me to put words in her mouth because she would never say or probably even think those things.  It's really just how I myself justify myself writing a review.  Myself.

I was in the middle of my Twilight series reading when I got the book.  Now, I'm not going to say that I hate Stephenie Meyer's writing or that I think her books are trash or any of that (because neither statement is true).  But I AM going to say that when I switched over from the middle of Eclipse to Annette's Tower of Strength I had a hard time thinking much more than "Really?  She wrote this?  I can't believe someone I know wrote this!"  Not because I didn't know that she could write well, but because I'd never read any of her fiction (historical fiction, in this case), and it is such a different thing!  

The story was interesting from the very beginning, but the thing I loved the most and noticed right away is the detail that makes you feel like you're right there with the character.  Little things like what a character is doing with their hands while they say something or what they're thinking about as they cross the street.  It just felt so whole and full and real.  Like I wasn't missing anything.  I loved that.

Also, Annette often says that her stories are supposed to be about the story more than the romance and she has been surprised when people consider her books to be first and foremost romances.  Well, you definitely get some good story lines going through this book, plenty to wonder what's going to happen with, but when the romance hits, it happens much as it does in real life.  When you find yourself in love with someone, that emotion sort of drives your life and all the other things that are happening in it become sort of "the other things", even if they're really very major.  Love just does that.  I think that's what happens in her books (though this is the only one I've read so far).  You have a terrific story, but the romantic parts are so real, even if they're just little clips here and there, that they sort of color everything about the book.  I think it means that she does a good job with it.

Now I must say that I really like Annette a lot.  I think she likes me too.  You want to know why?  Well, you'd think it would be strange and awkward to mention someone's BLOG in a book that takes place in the 1870's.  Especially to work it into the actual story.  Well, Annette likes me SO MUCH that she did that with my blog!!  I mean, there I was, reading on page seven and she distinctly mentions Away From It All!  Except she didn't use capitals.  But she still said it.  When Tabitha was talking about feeling guilty for even considering taking her son away from everything he has ever known.  I KNOW!!!  She totally loves me.  And the fact that we didn't know each other at all at the time she was writing the book is completely irrelevant.  So is the fact that my blog title is an everyday phrase.  Annette just really, really likes me.

In Stores Now!

You should definitely read this book.  Maybe you'll find your blog title in there.  Then you'll know she likes you, too!  (Because if it isn't in there, she probably doesn't like you.  You know how that is.)
Click the button in my sidebar to find out how to get your hands on a copy.

25 comments:

Stephanie said...

That was really clever how she sneaked you into the text of the novel instead of just mentioning you in the acknowledgments like most boring authors do. When I buy this book, will you autograph a copy for me?

Lara Neves said...

Wow. You are so lucky! I don't think I saw the word "overstuffed" in there anywhere! I am so jealous!

Very clever review!

Andi Kate, Children's Author said...

Great review. I think you have convinced me to give that book a whirl. I'll let you know how it turns out! Oh...but do you think I'll find "What the Hecklinger?!" in there?!

Becky said...

Wow! She really does like you!! Now I have to go bug my librarians about this book, too. They're pretty good about ordering books upon request, but I'm wondering if I've made too many recently... :)

Rebecca Talley said...

Fun review. That's pretty cool she included your blog in her book :).

Kazzy said...

I really enjoy historical fiction a lot! I am going to have to get my hands on this book. Nice review, Lisa.

Tristi Pinkston said...

Very fun review! I read it too, and liked it, but you know, I didn't see "Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author" in there. She must not like me as much as she likes you.

Heidi said...

Now I REALLY have to read it! (The fact that I am reviewing it on my blog on Monday has nothing to do with it.) Hmmm, you are so good at this, I'll have to find a way to get my book to you ASAP!

Alison Wonderland said...

So what you're saying is that she doesn't like me? Because I'm pretty darn sure that I didn't see any mention of Alison Wonderland (or even Alice in Wonderland) anywhere. But then again, she probably put it in and the editors took it out. Yeah, I'm sure that's it.

Tristi Pinkston said...

So I just read your whole story of meeting and marrying your husband, and I have to say, I'm hooked on your blog and you're now going on my link list. Just so you know.

Anonymous said...

Somehow, I seriously doubt that there is any reference to ducks and their places of residence in this or any of her books. I'm just not that interesting.

In the meantime, I'm gunning for this giveaway. And if I win, I'm starting a traveling library and as soon as I finish reading them I'm going to send them around the blog world to anybody else who has never read her books. Share the joy!

Melanie Jacobson said...

What the heck? I'm not in her book. I can't believe she doesn't like me, too!

melissabastow said...

I'm going to write a book and have you review it, because you are so incredibly good at it. And I know you'll be nice if I mention your blog. Maybe I'll even name the main character Lisa. And maybe this main character will like brownies.

C.J. said...

You are totally lucky that Annette likes you so much, because she's a totally cool person and writer.

Annette Lyon said...

That reference was totally intentional, of course. As Lisa said, the fact that we hadn't met yet is irrelevant.

Thanks for the great review!

Kersten said...

I loved this review! You are so clever!

J. Baxter said...

Hmmm. Jen's Jingle. Not thinking my chances are too high. It does, however, sound like a pretty good book.

Josi said...

Well now I'm hurt--she must like you better than she likes me cause she didn't say sundial in the shade once. (sniff, sniff)

Annette is the bomb, though, so I forgive her.

Julie Wright said...

Annette Rocks! (even if she does like you better than me) :)

That Girl said...

Dang. She must hate me. Pretty sure my title isn't in there.

But I still really REALLY want to read the book!

Mrs4444 said...

Can't say that I will read this book (because I rarely read (though I enjoy it)but already have a stack of books on my dresser. That said, your review was great; honest, funny, and sincere. Good luck to your friend!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

How come I'm not in it?

Sniff sniff.

I thought she loved me...

Susan said...

Are there any draperkids in her story? It sounds good.

Little GrumpyAngel said...

Okay, now I'm jealous since I also did her blog tour. How can she not work little grumpy angel into an LDS historical novel. Playing favorites, Sheeesh, Annette! :-)

leeann said...

Hmmm. I'll have to watch for time for joy because I really doubt 3 for school is anywhere in it!

Seriously a great review. I love your spin on it! Looking forward to reading the book too!