Review by ReadToLearn -- Lemoncella Cocktail by Rene Natan

[ReadToLearn]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Lemoncella Cocktail" by Rene Natan.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Lemoncella Cocktail by Rene Natan

Patrick Carter is a young man down on his luck when he hears a young woman's scream followed by a splash. Patrick immediately reacts and rescues Samantha McLeod from drowning enduring him to her grandmother and younger brother. However when Patrick saved Samantha he put a target on his back along with the backs of the McLeod family. Now both the criminals and authorities have taken an interest in them.

The situations and actions of the characters in the book are mostly realistic. The criminals are greedy and self centered. Most of the authorities are dedicated and self sacrificing.

I liked how Patrick overcame his troubled past to be a man of upstanding character. As the saying goes when life hands you lemons make lemonade. I liked the back stories because they humanized the characters, letting you know the sacrifices they had made or were making to bring the criminals to justice.

I didn't like how predictable the book was. There was no unforeseen twists in the plot. I also did not like the fact that I have to draw my own conclusions regarding Arnold Calendar and Ron Amaldi when all the other characters have specific conclusions to their activities.

I can only give the book 2 out of 4 stars. First there were times the grammar of the characters were as if they were speaking English as a second language. They would use the wrong verb tense or the wrong spelling of a word. In some cases it was the wrong word all together making the sentence not flow with the paragraph. For instance on page one paragraph seven Samantha says "I walk with you." Most people would say I will walk with you or I'll walk with you. I struggled to read it because of the constant grammar and spelling mistakes. At times I thought I might be changing the story for all the corrections I was making mentally. The second issue I had was the inconsistency with the names of the characters. On page sixty Amelia is referred to as Amanda and on page 119 the families last name of McLeod becomes McLean. The third problem was the use of technology. In the beginning of the book it talks of an agent using his iPod to take notes. You cannot take notes on an iPod, it is for playing music. Later in the book the same agent is using his iPhone to take notes. This is possible but needs to be consistent throughout the book. However I did finish the book and did enjoy the plot.

Once the book has been proof read and corrected I believe readers will enjoy the story. If you like predictable adventure and tragedy then this book is for you. If you like to be completely caught of guard at the end, you might want to consider a different book.

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Lemoncella Cocktail
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Like ReadToLearn's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Antares]

Thanks for the review, I was on the fence about this novel. I appreciate your honesty!

[Flor26]

I have been on the fence about this novel for a long time actually. Your review threw me off that fence. Thanks.

[Spirit Wandering]

Having read the sample, I considered reading this book because of the nature of Patrick's journey. Like others here, however, I'm glad that I passed this one by. Thanks for the review.

[Jaime Lync]

Having read the sample, I considered reading this book because of the nature of Patrick's journey. Like others here, however, I'm glad that I passed this one by. Thanks for the review.

I second this. Thanks a lot.

[kdstrack]

This is an honest and forthcoming review. I agree completely. Great synopsis of the characters and themes!