Monday, March 14, 2011

Jenn's Review: Truly, Madly

Truly, Madly: A NovelSummary:  Lucy Valentine is as smart as can be, as single as you can get, and so not qualified to run a matchmaking service. But when her parents temporarily step down from the family business, Valentine, Inc., it’s Lucy’s turn to step up and help out—in the name of love.

Plus, her rent is due.

Here’s the problem: Lucy doesn’t have the knack for matchmaking. According to family legend, every Valentine has been blessed by Cupid with the ability to read “auras” and pair up perfect couples. But not Lucy. Her skills were zapped away years ago in an electrical surge, and now all she can do is find lost objects. What good is that in the matchmaking world? You’d be surprised. In a city like Boston, everyone’s looking for something. So when Lucy locates a missing wedding ring—on a dead body—she asks the sexy private eye who works upstairs to help her solve the perfect crime. And who knows? Maybe she’ll find the perfect love while she’s at it…

Review:  What a delightful book! I'm so glad Julie introduced us to Heather Webber's Lucy Valentine series. Often, romantic mysteries are too much romance, not enough mystery, or vice versa, but I found this to be the perfect balance.

The premise of Truly, Madly is interesting before the vision of the ring on the skeleton occurs; then it's downright difficult to put down. It becomes even more intriguing when Lucy has to ask Sean, the handsome PI for help. There's something about him that makes Lucy's abilities go haywire and he has a past he won't discuss. I'm usually hard to surprise with plot twists, but Heather Webber kept me guessing. Some of the romantic aspects were predictable but I didn't guess Sean's secrets, and I certainly didn't see the resolution of the main mystery coming.

The characters were all inviting, and I want to learn more about every one of them, even the minor ones. I love that Lucy is flawed, but not broken beyond repair. She gets herself into some uncomfortable situations, but most of them are through crisis of conscience. Doing the right thing is not always easy.

Heather Webber has created a cast of characters that is fraught with potential for further stories and adventures. I look forward to exploring more Lucy Valentine soon, with Deeply, Desperately. ~I immediately downloaded the next two books before even finishing this one, because I know I won't be able to stay away too long.

Final Take: 4.5/5

Julie's Review

By the way, if Julie and I haven't convinced you, you can read excerpts from Heather Webber's books on her website, or read her short story featuring Lucy Valentine, Definitely, Maybe.

2 comments:

Julie said...

I'm gonna give myself a little pat on the back for raving about these and getting you to read them. :) I have all 3 ready to send to Alice for her to read as well.

Gaby G said...

I love this series! I read the 3 books and I can't wait for the next one :D Lucy is a great protagonist.