Review by Delaney35 -- Looking Glass Friends by E L Neve

[Delaney35]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Looking Glass Friends" by E L Neve.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Looking Glass Friends by E L Neve is more than just your typical romance novel. Ellie and Neil are both living in loveless marriages, and they feel trapped. They meet by chance in the bakery where Neil works. Ellie then decides to buy a copy of her favorite book for Neil, and they become pen pals. They discuss their meaningless lives and start to find meaning in each other. However, they can't be with each other because of their spouses, so they promise themselves they won't fall in love. Ellie especially has to be careful because she has a young child to consider. Neil, though married, does not have children.

The writing style of this book was, by far, my favorite part. It almost read like poetry, and it tapped into the raw emotions that many romance novels avoid. Neil had been in a dark place before he met Ellie. He was contemplating suicide because his life was unfulfilling, and he felt trapped because he had no intellectual stimulation. His wife was loving. However, they were not a good match for each other. Ellie had similar issues because her husband couldn't connect with her on an intellectual level. The poetic language drew me in. I wanted to read this one to find out how it would end and to enjoy the writing style because it was so beautiful.

Grammatically, it was almost flawless. I only found two small mistakes, and they did not inhibit my ability to understand the book in the least. This book was well-edited overall and was most likely professionally edited. The two mistakes also were not significant enough to bump down the rating.

I am happy to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The interactions between Ellie and Neil progressed in a logical way. They fell in love via emails back and forth, not because of a physical desire which made it read very differently from a lot of romance novels. It was also refreshing to see a love fueled by intellectual rather than physical needs. It felt genuine. I think many romance novels are not convincing, but that was not the case with this book. There was never a moment that I thought was too out there. There was also nothing about this book that I disliked; my only issue was with the small errors I noticed.

Readers of romance would enjoy this book. I also think anyone interested in family dynamics would like this book. Since Ellie and Neil are married when they meet, a lot of the plot focuses on their families. Ellie's relationship with her child is an interesting one that I believe could spark interest in some readers.

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Looking Glass Friends
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Like Delaney35's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Fazzier]

I like the boldness of Ellie and Neil of allowing themselves to feel real love. Seemingly, they haven't permitted their marital status to hinder the possibility of having a happy marriage. Thank you for this wonderful review!

[Delaney35]

I like the boldness of Ellie and Neil of allowing themselves to feel real love. Seemingly, they haven't permitted their marital status to hinder the possibility of having a happy marriage. Thank you for this wonderful review!

They are very interesting characters. Thanks for commenting!

[Prisallen]

This sounds like a very well-written romance novel. I'm curious as to whether they get together in the end. Thank you for a great review!

[Delaney35]

This sounds like a very well-written romance novel. I'm curious as to whether they get together in the end. Thank you for a great review!

Thanks for commenting!

[unamilagra]

I reviewed this book a few months ago and also really enjoyed the writing style. I agree that this offers much more to the reader than a typical beach read romance, which I don't tend to enjoy. Great review!

[Delaney35]

I reviewed this book a few months ago and also really enjoyed the writing style. I agree that this offers much more to the reader than a typical beach read romance, which I don't tend to enjoy. Great review!

Thanks for commenting!

[Letora]

Now this is my type of romance book. I hate to read the instant attraction romance. The fact this deals with real issues makes it even more enticing and it seems to have a good deal of character development. Thanks for the helpful review!

[Delaney35]

Now this is my type of romance book. I hate to read the instant attraction romance. The fact this deals with real issues makes it even more enticing and it seems to have a good deal of character development. Thanks for the helpful review!

It was definitely not a typical shallow romance. Thanks for commenting!

[Hiruni Bhagya 81]

Sounds like a book with an interesting storyline. You're right about most romance novels being more focused on physical desires rather than intellectual level. So, I'm sure it'll be a great book to read. Thanks for the lovely review.

[Delaney35]

Sounds like a book with an interesting storyline. You're right about most romance novels being more focused on physical desires rather than intellectual level. So, I'm sure it'll be a great book to read. Thanks for the lovely review.

Thanks for commenting!

[Agnes Masobeng]

Your review is great. I think Neil and Ellie are mature enough to deny themselves true happiness just because they are already married.

[Delaney35]

Your review is great. I think Neil and Ellie are mature enough to deny themselves true happiness just because they are already married.

Thanks for commenting!

[writingShannon]

I reviewed this book as well and felt that it was more of an intellectual boat than a romance novel!