Title: A Novel Obsession
Author: Jeff Joseph
Series: Novel Series #1
Publisher: Self-published
Publisher: Self-published
Published: December 1st, 2012
Page count: 215
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
Buy from: Amazon . Kobo . Goodreads
Book Summary:
What could be more peaceful than a small town nestled in the plush and picturesque Appalachian foothills along the Ohio River? Seemingly nothing unless you actually live in such a place and experience the incestuous nature of the meddling, gossip, and desire that can fester there.Abby Lane has cornered the market on virtue in her small town, yet there are forces that want to take that innocence away from her. Unfortunately, the depths of deception, often undetected by the pure of heart can be harmful to the unsuspecting soul.As an English teacher, dreamer and hopeless idealist Abby immerses herself in romantic fiction to fill the void in her reality. There is one author in particular who speaks directly to her heart and she foolishly makes him the model lover by whom all suitors are to be judged. When others try to bridge that gap, idyllic small town America becomes a mysterious place to be.A Novel Obsession is a great mix of Mystery, Suspense, Intrigue, and romance. It will answer the question:Is it possible for two people to fall in love having never met?
*The Reader’s Review*
My rating: 4/5 stars
I’ve written so many drafts for this review that I’ve grown tired about not finding the right words, so I’ll just say what I liked and what surprised me about this book. Mind you, at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like it because it started a bit weird and confusing (to me), yet it became much clearer in the next chapter or so and from that point on I got so glued that I wanted to have the sequel in my hands to keep reading about Abby and Daniel.
Abby is an English teacher who is obsessed with the romance novels written by Daniel, and she has based herself to only settle down with someone that meets Daniel’s standards. She has never met Daniel in person, but she is certain that this man is so perfect by how he writes. His words express passion, understanding and knowledge about the true meaning of love. Unfortunately, her closest friend and family think it’s time she puts her feet back on the ground, forget about her impossible love and focus on the men she has in front of her.
Now, what Abby doesn’t know is that the perfect Daniel is not in fact, perfect. He is a man bored to death for how his life has turned out to be. He is rich, yes. He has a huge fan base, yes. He knows how to touch women through words, yes. But does he believe or understand them himself? No. He hasn’t found that spark in his life that will bring back the happiness he once had when he started his successful writing career. He is a complete mess, until he finds in his massive pile of fan letters a letter from a small town English teacher who turns on that light he has been looking for all along.
At first, I thought Abby was sort-of crazy (she talked to the Daniel’s books like if they were him!) but in a way, I think many of us can relate to Abby with her obsession (I hug mine, but I’m not crazy). I can even understand why she won’t settle down with another man that doesn’t fit the description. She knows what she wants and knows she deserves more, so her attitude towards this is something I came up to admire. When the new coach arrives to town, I thought as well they would both understand each other in a good way and I came to think that maybe Daniel and Abby were never meant to cross paths, just through the written word. But boy oh boy, do they cross paths in the most thrilling way!
The second half of the book is a gold mine. Everything turns around in the most surprising way that I never saw certain things coming. I’m not an expert of thrillers because I don’t normally read them, but this one certainly captured my interest and I’m very pleased in how it was executed. It’s so nice to come upon a book you wouldn’t normally pick up and then come to enjoy it immensely. I wonder what else Jeff has in store for Abby and Daniel as it’s clear at the end of the book that their own story is barely starting.
*Note: I received a digital version of A Novel Obsession by the author in exchange for an honest review. I guarantee all thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.*
Great Review Melissa! So happy to hear you enjoyed this read and everything cleared up in the end with more excitement to come.
Chanzie @ Mean Who You Are.