Official Review: If Only by Elaine Blick

[Fernando222]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "If Only" by Elaine Blick.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Alice was a beautiful, spoilt rich man’s daughter. Although Alice’s mother died a year ago, she had maids in the house, so she hardly did any work at home or even at school. Alice grew up in the care of her loving father, Mr. Lane, but they both developed differences when Mr. Lane decided to marry Alice’s teacher, Miss Gibson. Alice didn’t approve of her father’s decision, so she traveled to Sidmouth to stay with her aunt, Aunt Julia, for a while. During her stay in Sidmouth, she developed feelings for Richard, Aunt Julia’s step-son.

Alice started to gain consciousness of adulthood and the price that accompanied it. When she got back from Sidmouth, Alice accepted Miss Gibson (Grace) as her step-mother. Alice became fond of Richard until she met John, who wasn’t as good looking as Richard but seemed caring and mature. With Richard in the military and a war fast approaching, Alice was in a romantic dilemma. Alice’s experiences prompted her to become a nurse, and after six years, she became a woman who thought more of the on-going Boer war than of her self.

The book, If Only by Elaine Blick, is a romantic suspense story of Alice and how she transformed from a childish pompous rich kid to a caring, hardworking nurse who placed the concern of others before her own. The book contained about 133 pages with thirty-one chapters. The book unveiled the exploits of General Sir Redvers Buller VC, Major-General Sir William Symons, and Lieutenant-General Sir George White. While reading the book, I found myself in a dilemma because of the similarities between Richard and John. They were both responsible and hardworking. As the story progressed, Blick kept on developing both characters, which made it difficult for me to choose a favorite. The book was not only a romance story. It was also a center of tragedies and controversial circumstances. These controversies flawed some significant characters but made way for the development of other minor characters.

The first thing I liked about this book was the portrayal of Eliza as an uneducated maid who had to work as a maid since she was 11. I liked that her accent matched her status; it would’ve been strange if she could speak fluently. I also liked that Alice began to develop maturity the moment she stepped inside that train to Sidmouth. I liked that Richard had a strong competitor, John. John’s decision to get married to someone else was strange, but I understood that he needed to settle for someone who wasn't crowded with uncertainty. I didn’t like that Blick fast-forwarded to six years later. Six years was a long time to skip in a story that was building up gradually.

If Only is an exciting fiction that portrays love, hate, tragedies, romance, fantasy, connectivity, kinfolk bonding, family ties, rejuvenation, religion, history, landmarks, national pride, territorial battles, betrayals, and war stories.

If Only was an exceptionally well-edited book. The chapters were adequately structured, and I found no grammar errors or typos. I rate this book four out of four stars because Blick was able to connect the characters in this romance story with the characters in a historical war.

I recommend this book to people who like transformation stories. I also recommend this book to people who have an interest in romance and fantasy stories. If you have an interest in ancient military generals, training, and tactics, this book is for you. On the other hand, if you dislike tragedies, this book is not for you.

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If Only
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Elvis Best]

This romance novel sounds very interesting. i wonder who Alice chose at the end, Richard or John. Thanks for this insightful review. Good job!

[Magnify3]

Sounds an interesting read. I like that Alice accepted Miss Gibson after all. I also hope that she got Mr. Right whoever he turned out to be.

[Dominik_G]

It looks like there's some remarkable character-development in Alice's case. I enjoyed reading your review, thank you!

[Glamour92]

Impressive review. This book sounds interesting with well developed characters. I enjoyed reading your review.

Good job

[rachelinds]

Great review! It sounds like an interesting read, and I'm interested to see what happens that would ultimately classify the book as a tragedy.

[Nompumelel]

I would love to read this book seeing s the setting would be during colonial times... A book tells alot about how people lived during a certain Era... Good review

[Bibliogn0st]

The book is suspenseful and romantic, how interesting! It is so satisfying to see an ungrateful brat turn into a sensible and mature person. I wonder who she chose in the end - I hope herself. I enjoyed your review. Thank you very much

[Wy_Bertram]

Reads like a classic, although very much not my vibe. Thanks for the nice review.

[Pluma]

This sounds like a good book, and the plot sounds interesting. I always like a book where the characters and their development are well-written and engaging, and this looks like one of those. Thanks for the review!

[Serigne Cheikh Ndao]

I like this book it's very interesting . It is so satisfying to see an ungrateful brat turn into a sensible and mature person. I wonder who she chose in the end - I hope herself. I enjoyed your review. Thank you very much

[Priyanka2304]

I really enjoyed reading your review of this book. I am eager to know who is the guy Alice would end up with. Thanks for the review.

[baha Ibrahim]

I love the Content and sequence of events , liked the romance I will read it
Thank you for your review

[LinaJan]

This brings me memories of my teenagehood when I was devouring romance stories...

Thank you for such a detailed and informative review! I may just succumb to the nostalgia and pick this up

[riyosha]

Sounds like a pretty book, might pick it up. Thanks for the review