Author: Nora Roberts
ISBN: 9780425227510
Pages: 352
Release Date: April 28, 2009
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
From the publisher’s website:
Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.
Though I don’t read much romance, I count myself among Nora Roberts’ many fans. I’ve read plenty of her books, always marveling at her ability to write a gripping story. I generally prefer her suspense novels, though I have enjoyed her romances as well in the past. Roberts’ main draw is her talent at crafting three dimensional characters that readers can really identify with. After all, there is a reason she is one of the bestselling authors of all time.
When I first heard about Vision in White, I knew I wanted to read it immediately. I loved the idea of four friends who pool their talents to form a wedding business. While I’m not the type to dream about weddings, I thought the premise was sound. Indeed, Roberts executes it very well.
Vision in White is the reader’s introduction to four characters: Mac (the photographer), Emma (flowers), Laurel (cakes) and Parker (the planner). These women work together to run a successful wedding planning operation. The series, called The Bride Quartet, will presumably have four books, each focusing on one of these women. By the end of the series, all four will have found their happily-ever-afters. In Vision in White, it’s Mac’s turn.
And therein lies the problem with Vision in White. As I mentioned earlier, Roberts’ central talent is creating amazing and sympathetic characters that the reader connects with. For some reason, that ability seems to be lacking in Vision in White. Mac is simply not a sympathetic character. Yes, in some ways the reader feels sorry for her, especially with her unfortunate situation with her mother, but generally speaking there is no real connection between the reader and the characters. That makes it difficult to be invested in Mac’s happiness, especially when she seems to make herself unhappy.
Despite my disappointment with the main character, I still enjoyed reading Vision in White and will be reading the rest of the books in the series. It’s a great concept, and Roberts writes these types of stories, weaving friendships and families, incredibly well. I’m definitely looking forward to what Roberts comes up with next!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me this book to review.
11 comments:
It's hard to really enjoy a book when you can't relate to the main character. I just love the cover though!
Nora Roberts is very hit or miss with me, so I've kind of given up on her work.
I was interested in the cover and reading this makes me more interested, I hadn't realized it was a series! I've never read one of her books so I don't know what I'll think of it!
I'm a huuuuge Nora Roberts fan, I can read absolutely anything by her. This book is on my wishlist. Thanks for the review.
I've never read anything that Nora Roberts published under that name, but I do enjoy the Eve Dallas series she writes as J.D Robb. I like the mix of science fiction, romance, and crime thriller in those. I'm currently reading #14 of that series. It's a guilty pleasure of mine.
I might be one of the few readers out there who haven't read anything by Roberts! I've gone to start one of her series in the past, but something always kept me from doing so. This one sounds intriguing... and even the reservations about Mac still make me want to check it out!
I really look forward to reading this one! I think it would be a fun read. And I just love the cover!
Hi Swapna!! How's it going. Are you ready for Europe? Oh I started a book discussion forum on my website. Hope you can visit.
Cafe Blue
I have to say, I'm actually intrigued by the idea, but I'm not really much of a romance reader either. (Always game for a cutsie "chick Lit" kind of book though.) And I'm not really much of a Nora Roberts fan. Guess this isn't my thing!
Of course, if you keep up with the series and it gets better, I might be persuaded!
I like her In Death series (as J.D. Robb), but I've not been crazy about her other books. Okay, so I've only read a couple of them.
I too read this and parts of it fell flat for me. Primarily the romance aspect. This story really was more chick-lit that focused on the 4 friends (which was the strongest point for me) than it was about Mac's romantic entanglements. I'm glad that Roberts is showcasing Mac first because I honestly think she's the weakest of the characters. I'm looking forward to the next in the series in the hopes that Emma will be more compelling.
Post a Comment
I welcome comments and read each one I receive. If your comment needs a response, I will provide it in a timely manner, as I read every comment I receive.
Please keep your comments civil and polite! I reserve the right to delete any comments that are rude or inappropriate.
Because of spam, I have to moderate comments on old posts. Please be patient - I will approve your comment quickly.