There are some books that are written beautifully, have a wonderful pay-off and feature a cast of characters searching for something beyond material world joys. This is what A Woman of Fortune is. Then there are those books that no matter their strong points, they just don’t connect with their reader. For me, that is this novel, too.
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‘A WOMAN OF FORTUNE,’ BY KELLIE COATES GILBERT #FWarchives Click To TweetSTORY: It tells the story of the wealthy Massey family. Its matriarch is Claire Massey, who has built a good life for herself and three adult children with the love of her husband, Tuck at her side. On the eve of more success for the family – daughter, Lanie is about to start on a journey of being a young, promising senator’s wife, Tuck is led away in handcuff’s accused of a white collar scheme, the charges mount up against him, including wire fraud, leaving Claire feeling betrayed. Unsure where this leaves her marriage, Claire is left to pick up the pieces of her fractured life and try to hold her family together.
A Woman of Fortune, by Kellie Coates Gilbert | Book Review
To be honest, many of the moving pieces here work well. There is some interesting twists and I like the intimate struggle of the three POV’s; Claire, Lainie and Max. But, that notwithstanding, there isn’t really anything that I relate to; I don’t understand some of the reactions and don’t respect many of the choices the characters make. For me, Christianity isn’t a big enough force for the decision that eventually put to rest its leading character’s doubts nor impacting enough that ties into the forgiveness payoff. Also, there’s a wild, reckless side of Lainie that ends up being distracting. Then there is Max, who I actually would like to get to know better because his character is who changes most. This is what a reader wants to see.
Thanks to her skills as a legal investigator, Coates storytelling is excellent. She writes with a skilled hand to create a world that I do like. Since most the stories I read tend towards the simpler lifestyle, there’s a sense of carefree spontaneity in this world; one in which a lavish Texas royalty party is the norm. This draws its reader in. Saying that, it’s freeing to experience the change in one character, which perhaps excuses all the tepid feelings the rest of this family stirs. Part of me eagerly wants to get behind Claire and another believes that her choices didn’t have that one moment of clarity that seems appropriate.
If you enjoy women’s fiction, then A Woman of Fortune (the first novel in a new series) is something worth looking into for that summer reading pile. Provided you’re like me, and have one. *wink*
About the Book:
Author: Kellie Coates Gilbert
Publisher: Revell Books
Source: Publisher Provided
Publication Date: 2014
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads | Life Is Story | Novel Crossing
Add the Book: Goodreads
Series: Texas Gold, book 1
Genre: Fiction; Women’s Fiction, Inspirational Contemporary
Rating: 3 out of 5
Content: there’s some minor intimacy between a husband and wife, as well as conversation that reveals unmarried 20-something engage in unhealthy romantic relationships.
My apologies to the publisher and author for the delay in this review.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book for reviewing purposes.
I almost signed up to review this book (mainly because, just look at the gorgeous cover!) but I refrained myself since I have way too many books on my plate. Thanks for this great review, your reviews always feel so honest and I usually know whether or not I'd like a book from them! I'll probably skip this one, though it does sound like an interesting story. :)
I have those books, too, Bekah. Some I *want* to read, and some I'm merely curious about, but I have to be firm with myself and say, "nope, you have too many books to read just now." Sometimes it works. ;)
Thanks for the kind words. That's my number one goal – to be honest. Hopefully that always comes through. I feel like sometimes my reviews are in extreme – either I'm very nonchalant or I tend to gush, but both are my honest opinion, so that's what I strive to let come through each review. :)
The cover is eye-cathcing and the synopsis seems promising… Interesting to read your thoughts, Rissi.
I wanted to also invite you to my new blog. Please feel free to drop by anytime and to leave as many comments as you want — EVERYONE is welcome to do so as a matter of fact :-)
http://revesbleus.blogspot.ca/
Ganise, hi! Thanks for dropping by – and for reading. If you read this one, hope you enjoy it.
…and girl, you have a blog again?? How did I not know this. Some kind of observer I am. ;) Of course, I'll be by to visit.
Well, bummer!!! I was really looking forward to this one and have it as an ARC. I'll have to give it a try, but if I don't connect then I won't finish it. Too many books to read!
I know… me, too, Tressa! I think maybe I wasn't its target audience and plus, I just couldn't connect with the characters. That being said, I sure hope you enjoy it! I've read some good reviews, so a lot of times I say, "it's just me." :)