Saturday, June 18, 2005

Charm Only Goes So Far

Don't read this one when you're hungry! The descriptions of truffles and other goodies would give anyone a chocolate craving.

Sweet Success by Susan Mallery
(2001, Contemporary) 6/14/05
Grade: 3.5

Ali’s life centers around her chocolate shop in the small town of Santa Magdalana, and her friends and family there. She’s almost given up on love when a new handyman piques her interest - what is he hiding? Matt is running from a tragic past and doesn’t intend to stay long, but he can’t stay away from Ali - and hopes he’ll find redemption there.

Despire a hefty dollop of angst in Matt’s past (his wife tragic death etc.), this book coasts along primarily on charm - and does it well for the first two thirds. The characters are charming and likeable, the situations amusing and poignant at times. But the charm seems to wear thin after a while, especially with the fairly predictible plot “twist” in the last third. It was enjoyable enough to read, but it never went beyond a pleasant diversion.

Even though I enjoyed Sweet Success (and I always appreciate a good contemporary), it left me wanting more.

No comments: