Thursday, January 11, 2024

The Book of Silver Linings

Title: The Book of Silver Linings
Author: Nan Fischer
Published: August 15, 2023 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, Paperback 384 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

First Sentence: “Yoga speed dating? You can’t be serious!”

Blurb: Within the margins of an antique book, a timeless love waits for a young woman on the precipice of a terrible mistake in this enthralling new novel from the acclaimed author of Some of It Was Real .

Constance Sparks always says yes …when her capricious best friend needs money; when her boss gives her more responsibility without a raise; and when her boyfriend, Hayden, who is very kind but also secretive, asks her to marry him.

While planning their wedding—and struggling with anxiety about the right course for her future—Constance researches the history of her antique engagement ring and unearths the name of a man who might be connected to it, plus his tragic love story. When she finds a book of letters in her library’s old manuscript section written by the long-dead man, Constance is deeply touched by his words and leaves a note for him confessing her uncertainty and doubts. She’s shocked days later to find a response tucked among the pages.

As the notes continue to arrive, Constance finds herself quickly falling in love with a ghost and putting her real-life relationship in jeopardy. Will a bond based on letters impossibly sent from the past derail her future? Or will Constance discover her voice and risk everything for the chance to somehow connect with her true soul mate?

My Opinion: I would have given up on this book if I hadn't switched to the audio version. Nan Fischer abruptly changes thoughts and sometimes makes statements that are not fully developed, making some parts of the book read like a rough draft. Moreover, when reading the book in one sitting, character and location inconsistencies become more apparent.

Overall, the writing felt stilted only to pull on heartstrings with a discussion on rescuing animals which felt designed to draw the reader back in with a warm feel-good moment. That tactic started to wear thin.

Unfortunately, the book is too long and repetitive and could have used the kindness of a good editor.

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