Review by fmd1821 -- One Way or Another by Mary J. Williams

[fmd1821]

[Following is a volunteer review of "One Way or Another" by Mary J. Williams.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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One Way or Another is the first entry of a series by Mary J. Williams, and it is one of those volumes that are a great introduction to the entire set. The protagonist is Calder Benedict, one of the four Benedict sisters. Although each of them has a different father (and is named after him), they form a close and loving group. Their mother, Billie, is an unreliable woman who had many relationships in her life. This time, Billie is in love with a man named Ingo Hunter, but the sisters do not trust him. They hire a private detective to discover more about him. In the meanwhile, Calder meets Adam, and they get involved in a relationship, but things do not go as smooth as they should.

I have to admit I am not a big fan of love stories. I started reading One Way or Another because I like plots where the family plays an important part. So, you can imagine how thrilled I am if I tell you that this novel is delightful. One of the reasons why I like it so much is because of its complex plot. The story is not just about Calder and Adam, even though this storyline has so many elements (from passion to doubts) that they would be enough for an entire book. Many other episodes make One Way or Another an enthralling read, especially those about the sisters’ incorrigible mother and her relationship with a disreputable person as Ingo Hunter. After finishing the book, I realized how well all the parts combine and how each element is meaningful. In the end, the effect is astonishing – and makes you ready for the next novel.

If this result is possible, it depends on the writer’s skills. Williams is praiseworthy for her sharp attention to detail. The descriptions of places and feelings are exceptional, and the author takes the time to describe what the characters do.

Another great aspect of One Way or Another is the characterization of the protagonists. Each of the four sisters is fully-rounded and has a strong personality. Their conversations have the naturalness of real dialogues between people who trust and love each other. Calder’s portrayal as an independent woman is an inspiration. Her story is not only about her relationship with Adam but also focuses on her wish to be a successful businesswoman. I like that she refuses to be considered only a rich girl and wants to do something with her life. Also, I like that she and Adam have different backgrounds because it adds interest to their story.

I confess that there is a character I like in particular, and I am talking about Calder’s mother, Billie. Even though this woman has more than one defect, Williams describes her so well that I can imagine her like a real person. I also have to add that Ingo Hunter has his own remarkable features, and even a minor character like Calder’s father (“minor” because he appears in relatively few scenes, although his contribution is determinant in the end) has an interesting personality.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. As I wrote before, the story has many unexpected turns of events that make it an engaging read. I have to add that it is well-edited as I found only a few typographical errors while I was reading. I recommend One Way or Another to readers who like entertaining stories where romance is an important part but not the only ingredient of the plot.

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One Way or Another
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