Title: Splitting Harriet
Author: Tamara Leigh
ISBN: 9781590529287
Publisher: Multnomah
Rating: 3.5 stars
It's hard to believe that holier-than-though Harri could have been a prodigal preacher's daughter. She whines too much about the good old days to be real. But when she meets Pastor Maddox McCray, who seems to destroying her father's legacy at First Grace the bad girl blasts out, along with her Jelly Belly addiction.
Favorite line excerpt...
Overwhelmed by the thrill of being on a motorcycle again and an awareness of the man in front of me, I stiffly hold myself as far apart from him as possible. A moment later, we're on the road, and the warm night air turns cools as the motorcycle stirs it to life, I draw a breath and am struck by the scents of grass, pine, dust, pavement, and Maddox.
This romantic comedy is cute and quaint, but there is stilted in the dialogue between the characters. There is a moment between Harrri and her brother, Tyler that could have been more heartwarming, but Leigh's commitment to keep the tone light made the moment feel more glossed over than 3D.
I often question whether an author can pull off writing a story that has two internal plots going: a romance and a spiritual journey. How can a story like that be balanced and entertaining without one losing its value. In this case I think it didn't. However, I do know that its sweetness and contemporary setting is lovable enough for a reader to enjoy. (Nov, pp382, $12.99)
Rating breakdown
1. Character - .5
2. Plot- 1
3. Theme/Orthdoxy- 1
4. Style/Flow- .5
5. Voice- .5
