Friday, February 27, 2015

THE CEPHALOPOD COFFEEHOUSE: SOPHIE WRITES A LOVE STORY

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

It's time for The Cephalopod Coffeehouse, hosted by The Armchair Squid.

The idea is simple: on the last Friday of each month, post about the best book you've finished over the past month while visiting other bloggers doing the same.  In this way, we'll all have the opportunity to share our thoughts with other enthusiastic readers.

My book for February is Sophie Writes a Love Story by our blogger friend, Linda Kay. You can find Linda Kay at Senior Adventures.




I'm quite fond of this book, and proud of it, too, because I can claim editorship. You can purchase Sophie Writes a Love Story on Amazon at http://goo.gl/N3hgYI.* Sophie is the second in a series of books that Linda Kay is writing in memory of her mother and grandmother.

Sophie Writes a Love Story is just plain charming. I can't think of a better word to describe it. Yes, it's a romance, but I won't call it a conventional romance. Linda Kay keeps us in suspense and finds ways to surprise her readers. This book is an adventure/romance. Perhaps that helps portray it.

Sophie has recently become a widow. She considers selling the family home and moving to a smaller place. As she looks over items stored in her attic, they bring back a "flood" of memories. When you read the book, you'll know why I put flood in quotation marks.

Here's Sophie perusing items in the attic:

Her wedding gown was sealed in a plastic bag, but the years had taken their toll. The gown was yellowed, and the lace was almost a coffee color. She removed the fragile garment from the bag and held it in front of her, twirling around in a slow waltz, closing her eyes and thinking of Carl. An old white, leather-bound album of wedding pictures was complete with a small music box at the top that played the wedding march. Carl was so handsome in his suit. The black-and-white pictures didn't do justice to those brown eyes that had captivated Sophie all those years ago. A lump caught in her throat. She flipped the pages and wondered about all the friends who had been a part of the wedding. Where were they all now?

Isn't that beautifully written? And the question about old friends becomes an important part of the book.

Sophie Writes a Love Story earns The Janie Junebug Seal of Highest Approval. Linda Kay, I'm so happy for you. You are an accomplished writer.


Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug


*Linda Kay very graciously gave me an autographed copy of this book because I edited it, but I want to make it clear that I'm not receiving any remuneration for this review. I am not paid based on the number of books that sell.   




60 comments:

  1. I love the way Linda Kay writes. There's always a comforting feeling - a warmth to her words. Well, Ms Janie - I thank you for your part, adding to the eloquence of Linda's story-telling adventures. I admire you both, (smile).

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    1. She has a warm and soothing way with words. In person, I bet she's a sweetheart.

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  2. This sounds like a wonderful book with exceptional editing. I like how you described it as being "charming." A little charm goes a long way with me, and it's a nice change of pace from many of today's books.

    Julie

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    1. It is a wonderful book, and I hope the editing is exceptional.

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  3. Thanks for the book review, dear Janie Junebug, and congratulations to Linda Kay for writing a romance novel laced with adventure. Based on your description and the sample provided, the story is absorbing. Congratulations to you, too, for the editing assist.

    Have a safe and happy weekend, dear friend Janie!

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  4. Well this sure is a fun idea!!!

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  5. I'm sure I'm missing out on some really good books out there because I'm pretty much addicted to Stephen King and the like. I'm currently on page 900 of 1394 pages of IT. Damn that's a long book. But they're doing a super-scary feature film (most likely 2 parts) and I have to bone up prior to peeing my pants in the theater when I go watch it with my 75-year-old coworker who also loves Stephen King.

    Unfortunately, this has nothing to do with what you talked about in your post. But that's what you get for terrorizing me.

    -andi

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    1. Terrorizing you is so much fun that I almost peed my pants.

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  6. How fun to get to work on a book! I am intrigued. Sophie sounds like such a warm character...and I love when widows get another chance at love. Thanks for recommending!
    Veronica

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  7. Janie, thanks so much for the endorsement, and also Dixie for your kind words. I have a couple of book signings coming up, and I've found that the second book is creating interest in the first one because of the series. The third one is in the works!

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    1. A series quite often seems to draw more interest as you write the books. That's great. I think you should hire Dixie as your publicist.

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  8. I think it is beautifully written, I would like to think an author is as beautiful as her writing

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  9. Hi Janie - Linda does seem to have captured Sophie's early life - and where are the friends etc ... I can quite imagine lots coming out in these stories ... and your 'flood' tickles the brain too ... how does that fit in ... the books sound an interesting read .. cheers Hilary

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  10. I was trying to find the words to describe the mood the writing puts the reader in and Dixie said it. It gives a "comforting feeling."

    Congrats, Linda.

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  11. This book sounds heartwarming with a touch of sadness. I think many widows and widowers could relate to this

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    1. As someone who went through a divorce, I relate to it. Divorce is the death of a marriage.

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  12. It looked wonderful, so I bought it!!

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  13. I've not gotten a chance to read Linda Kay's work but it's high time. This is exactly the type of fiction I like.

    Do people actually get paid for reviews based on the number of books that sell? What I don't know about marketing is A LOT. I do get a book when I review a book, which I think is a super deal for me! Especially when I get to choose the book. Score, happy dance.

    Thanks, Janie-poo!

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    1. I've never heard of a reviewer getting paid for the books that sell, but I wanted to make it clear that I'm not making money in any way from my review. Unless, of course, you are in the mood to send me some money . . .

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    1. You would, John. You are so warm hearted and sympathetic.

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  15. This sounds like a sweet book...maybe a beach read. And I do happen to have a beach in my future :)

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  16. This sounds like a lovely book.
    Quite different from a typical romance story.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Yes, it's different. I don't care for typical romance novels that follow a formula.

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  17. Sounds like fun. I like the idea of a romance novel that's suspenseful, too.

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  18. I had taken a very long hiatus from reading fiction. Not planned, just happened. I made a concerted effort to read at least one book of fiction every quarter of the year, because there is so much "how to" and work stuff a girl can read before going bonkers. I have just completed the Aubrey-Maturin series and wondered what to read next. This sounds like a good one to put on the list.

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    1. For many years, I preferred to read non-fiction. Then I found some fiction I liked. Lately, I've returned to non-fiction, so I'm glad I edit books that are fiction. It gives me a variety of genres to read.

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  19. Hmmm, charming... comforting... romance... chicken soup? What's not to love? Thanks for the recommendation. I'll be checking this one out right away. Thanks!

    Happy weekend!

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  20. Not only are you a good writer, but you are a good friend to other writers.
    I love that.
    R

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  21. The book looks really good, and I'm not even a romance reader, normally. Love the idea. And congrats on your editorship! Are you for hire? ;)

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    1. Yes, I can accept new clients. I'm glad to answer any questions you have.

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  22. Such a charming book. It reminds you that you're making memories as you go through life and someday you'll look back over them.

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  23. It is lovely to watch writer friends find success. Congrats to Linda.

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  24. I love the writing featured in the excerpt. Beautiful. It sounds like a wonderful book!

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  25. Hey Janie!

    How empowering that you were involved in what seems to be an awesome book. All the best to both of you and well done to Linda.

    Gary

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  26. Perhaps not my cup of tea (mug of beer?) but it does sound like a beautiful story, and that's a fantastic excerpt. Both in the way it was written and in the way it was edited (wink wink).

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  27. I'm reading "Inferno" by Dan Brown right now. It's the story of a man's plan to wipe out half the world's population by unleashing a plague.
    A real feel-good story. Disney ought to grab the rights.

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  28. It sounds like a beautiful story and how wonderful that you got to edit it.

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