From a truly talented author, this book does not disappoint! This is Lori’s second published fiction, the first being “Momnesia” that is actually sort of a prequel to this book. However, because of this author’s talent, they are both excellent stand-alone titles, though, I doubt you can actually read one without anxiously awaiting your copy of the other to arrive.
“Unexpecting” is the perfect title for what is a realistic, page turner. Shelley and David, having almost completely raised their 4 children and about to enjoy their empty nester years are suddenly surprised to learn that David has a daughter from a brief fling between his first marriage and his second marriage to Shelley. Introduce Alexandra, baby on the way, and Tiny the dog, that is anything but Tiny. Having just lost her mother, she has nowhere to go. As a teenager just experiencing such a great loss, pregnant, forced to leave her home, friends and school and very pregnant, she has a great deal of emotional baggage. The roller coaster that follows is brilliantly woven into, through and around the trials and tribulations of this family as a whole. You can’t help but laugh and cry along as you are so easily and instantly drawn in and along a journey with the Morsony family. A good read will always make the reader feel a range of emotions and this one certainly does, from surprise to anger to joy to sadness to sympathy and beyond, prepare to be up all night as you won’t be able to put this book down.
I was impressed with the variety in personalities from all of the characters and how well every aspect of this story was developed and conveyed, primarily from Shelley’s view point with some well-placed, well written, head hops to Alexandra and David as well. The dialogue was rich and true to each of the characters, the scenes were so crisp that the imagery formed naturally in my mind as I devoured every word! Even the family pets were intricately woven through the story, so that you could almost see the slobbery grooming that Tiny, the huge lap dog, bestowed on Frick, the old house cat. A perfect blend of reality and fiction gives this book everything it needs to be appealing to a wide range of readers and the ending itself will surprise and amaze you while leaving you feeling at peace from your rollercoaster journey through the pages.
Also, to note, I loved that Lori included a Reader’s Discussion Guide and information about “Momnesia” as well as the first chapter as a preview at the end of the Kindle version that I enjoyed. I received an ARC copy in order to prepare a true and honest review.
~ Debra L Hartmann, professional editor, published author, book reviewer for the fun of it…. http://www.theprobookeditor.com and come have an AHA moment with us at http://authorshelpingauthors.wordpress.com
YOU CAN WIN A COPY OF “UNEXPECTING” by entering to win between now and the 29th. I will close the contest on the 29th and then randomly select the winner – 1 entry per person by leaving a comment on this review and up to one per day for RT’s of this book review post. Here’s how to enter: SIMPLE! Enjoy the book review and then make a comment at the bottom about your thoughts. RT the tweet for this post (no more than 1 time per day) for additional entries. (The winner will be able to choose either Kindle or paperback. However, in order to choose paperback, they MUST be at a Continental US Mailing Address.)
You can also comment on the interview at CLICK HERE for an entry in the book give away. Good luck!
Related articles
- Unexpecting – Blog Hop, Book Review and Giveaway (dayton.mom-spot.com)
- Unexpecting Blog Tour Stop! (ebarnes23.wordpress.com)
- http://www.loritheauthor.com/unexpectingrelease/
