Official Review: Essence by Evelyn Allen Harper

[jvez]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Essence" by Evelyn Allen Harper.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Essence by Evelyn Allen Harper features the interconnected lives of the regular housewife Laura Baker and the famous writer Josh Lang. Laura knows everything is about to change when she discovers that her husband, Ben, is having an affair with her best friend, Joan. Already preparing herself for a divorce, Laura never thought their marriage would end with Ben's sudden death due to a car accident. Meanwhile, Josh’s wife, Marie, finally succumbs to her sickness after years of dialysis. The grieving Josh then meets Laura, and for some inexplicable reason, he smells Marie’s perfume and feels Marie’s presence whenever Laura is around. Throughout the book, Laura and Josh’s paths continue to intertwine due to a series of coincidences, paranormal twists, and a crazy serial killer on the loose.

Essence may sound like your typical romance fiction with two broken souls finding solace in each other’s arms. However, the book is so much more than your average steamy romance. Essence is about one woman retracing the tracks to her dreams after giving up everything for what she thought was a happily married life. Thus, if you are looking for a romance story with passionate kisses that would make you giggle and blush, this book is not what you’re looking for. But if you are a fan of general fiction with headstrong female main characters, then you’ll definitely love this story. Please do note that this book also includes some scenes portraying sex, torture, and murder. If you are not fond of these mature contents, you’re better off not reading the book.

Laura’s character definitely stands out in the story. After learning of her husband’s infidelity, our heroine is understandably distraught, but she did not let the pain overcome her. Instead of moping around or making hysterical fits, Laura picks herself up, evaluates all possible scenarios, and weighs her options. She also does not allow her husband or her two-faced best friend to string her along. Nonetheless, Laura does have moments where she swoons for hot guys and their superficial charms, but at least she knows when to snap out of it.

I also commend how the book touches on some critical issues in society, like the treatment of women, abortion, child abuse, and fake religiosity. Readers will definitely find themselves contemplating about these issues all throughout the book and even after reading.

As opposed to the good characterization of Laura, I feel Josh’s character was not given due justice. He could have played a more prominent role in the story. After all, the title Essence is an allusion to Marie’s scent that Josh smells on Laura. I also wish this paranormal aspect was incorporated more intently in the book and not simply used as a convenient tool to help resolve the conflict in the end. The author could have also tried making the mystery and thriller parts more complex. Since the identity of the serial killer was already given from the very beginning, there were not enough puzzles left to keep the readers thinking.

The book is well-written, except for some typos and missing commas. I was also confused with the name of the art shop Laura works at because the author tends to switch between ‘A Spot of Color’ and ‘A Touch of Color’ repeatedly.

In conclusion, I give Essence 3 out of 4 stars for I did enjoy the book, mainly due to Laura's likable character. However, there are still some areas the book could improve on, specifically the paranormal and mystery aspects of the plot.

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Essence
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Like jvez's review? Post a comment saying so!

[bnoy]

Strong female characters, romance and a bit of danger? Count me in. This sounds great! Its a shame that not all of the characters were given the chance to develop fully. However, I can't wait to give this a read. Great review!

[Bianka Walter]

Sounds like an interesting one. I like that the focus is not only on the romance, but that the author pulls in some controversial issues to add a bit of depth. Great review!

[Alex Amayo1]

I love the book especially how coincidences bring Laura and her love together.

[Jackie Holycross]

It sounds like a complicated plot. Too bad it did not meet your expectations. Thanks for the thorough review.

[revna01]

Sounds like a good book, but then I see that the author had troubling remembering the name of the art shop. That is so odd to me. In any case, I do like that the affair between Laura's husband and best friend didn't result in Laura crumbling and living in a pit of depression for the rest of the book. Thanks for a great review!

[420waystoreachthesun]

I really don't like the name, but going by your review, this seems to be a good book.

[rafiya3]

sound like a good book. i love strong women,romance and twist. a must for me to read. thank for the review.