Next, a little about Julie. She is a wife and mother who lives in Tennessee, an LDS author writing for the national marketplace, has a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature from San Diego State University, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama. A bout with cancer put some of Julie's dreams on hold, but it also helped her realize that her top priorities, in addition to her husband and family, included writing fiction and getting it published. Now she has several books appearing in the next year.Since my push toward publication came because of a health crisis, I relate to Julie, even though I took a different path. Her determination speaks to dreams fulfilled in spite of long odds, and I tip my hat to her (and yes, I own several Western hats).
In days of yore, a woman's magazine had a regular feature called "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" That's the question of the day for the balance of the novel, as Josie "embarks on a journey of self-rediscovery, finding that fulfillment was unwittingly within her reach the whole time."
No first novel is perfect (sheesh, is any novel perfect?), and neither is this one. There are slight point-of-view flaws, a few bumpy transitions, and too much home decor and clothing description for my taste (but that's MY taste). However, it moves along at a rapid pace, is well balanced with a sticky situation for an inciting action, interesting characters and adorable children, lots of soul-searching, and baleful humor from Josie's best friend, Gina. Julie N. Ford shows great promise in her debut, and I look forward to reading the sequel to The Woman He Married.
The Woman He Married is available at Whiskey Creek Press in both e-book and print versions, and at Amazon in Kindle and print editions. To buy autographed copies at a reduced price, go here to Julie's website.
Second Chance Contest: If you read The Woman He Married between now and May 28, you can go to Julie’s blog and vote for who you feel Josie should have chosen in the end. You’ll be entered into a 2nd contest to win a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Marsha - I enjoyed your insights. The book was definitely hard to put down. Even though it is billed as a romance - it includes so much more. I looked forward to the interactions between Gina and the other characters, as you never knew what she was going to say or do, and who she might offend with her off-beat attitude. I would recommend The Woman He Married to ALL readers.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book! Thanks for letting all of us know about it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! The book sounds interesting...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I too liked Gina in the book she had a lot of humor and kept you guessing on what she was going to do next. I found the book difficult to put down as the book kept me interested and well I read it in one night I was that interested. I look forward to future novels.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting author and book. I will have to added to my list.
ReplyDeleteSo many books, so little time! This sounds like a good one to add to my TBR list. Good luck, Julie with your writing and marketing endeavors!
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely a fun book to read.
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