Review by Bluebird03 -- Looking Glass Friends by E L Neve

[Bluebird03]

[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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During a fateful encounter at the Bake 4U bakery, Neil surrenders his secret stash of cream puffs to one of his customers, Ellie. Realizing that he must have put them back especially for her, Ellie is touched by his sweet gesture. To express her gratitude, she purchases a paperback copy of one of her favorite books and leaves it, along with a note, at the bakery for Neil. This begins an exchange of handwritten notes and soon leads to nightly emails. Most of their initial conversations relate to books they have both read. However, there are often strong undertones in these exchanges that connect quotes in the books to specific and personal situations in their lives.

Quickly, their conversations move to late night phone calls and become more romantic. All too soon, the dilemma presents itself. Do they leave their respective spouses to pursue a new life together, owning the responsibility for the heartache they will leave in their wake? And what about Ellie's young and innocent son, Johnny? Are they willing to tear his life apart? Or do they stay in the tired and miserable existences that have become their normal?

I award Looking Glass Friends by E. L. Neve 4 out of 4 stars. This story is masterfully told. I liked that the author painted the characters with such vivid brushstrokes. They possess very strong, and often complex, personalities. Neil seems, at least in the beginning of the story, to be cold, brooding, calculating and selfish. He completely ignores his wife and spends all of his time at home, behind a closed door, playing video games. This persona quickly changes when Ellie visits his bakery. Soon the reader sees a more human side of Neil begin to emerge and replace the darker one.

Ellie's character is portrayed as a kind, loving, loyal and very compassionate wife. Always putting the needs of others before her own, Ellie seems resigned to her fate in life- merely another of her husband's beautiful possessions. Her only joy in life seems to come from spending time with their son and reading her books. But, even Ellie can be pushed too far.

Even the secondary characters are exquisitely portrayed. Early into the novel, Fay (Neil's wife) reaps the readers' pity, while Jake (Ellie's husband) rightfully earns immediate disfavor. I will stop here to avoid any spoilers.

There was absolutely nothing I could find to dislike about this book. Also, the novel appeared to have been well edited, as I found only minor grammatical errors. This novel will certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys getting lost in a complicated love story with challenging situations and complex characters. Only anyone who avoids the romance genre may want to pass on this read.

I highly recommend this extraordinary novel, as its intricate storyline captured me from the beginning and held my attention all the way to the last page.

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Looking Glass Friends
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Like Bluebird03's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Delaney35]

This sounds like an amazing book. I hope I get the chance to read this one sometime! Great job describing the merits of the book.

[spencermack]

"Painted characters with such vivid brushstrokes." That is just beautiful! Thanks for the review!

[Bluebird03]

This sounds like an amazing book. I hope I get the chance to read this one sometime! Great job describing the merits of the book.

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I hope you get the chance to read it as well. I've read two of her novels now and have been incredibly impressed with both of them.

[Bluebird03]

"Painted characters with such vivid brushstrokes." That is just beautiful! Thanks for the review!

Thank you so much for your very kind comment!

[melrose2310]

I thoroughly enjoyed this review. I truly want to get to know these complex characters and see how the story unfolds. Thanks again for the review and I will definitely download the book.

[supernatural143]

This is today's Book of the Day. Honestly, your review has given me the whole scope of this book - way better than the featured review. *oops* I am just saying my opinion.

The characters are in complicated relationships. Neil and Ellie are not happy with their partners. When they met, they felt an instant spark.

The story is not as simple as "go wherever you are happy" because there are matters that should be considered.

Will Neil and Ellie experience a "happily ever after"?