Rating: 
Summary: A roller coaster ride of a romance novel
Review: One of the unexpected joys of writing reviews for Amazon is not only hearing from other readers but also receiving messages from many authors as well. In some cases these are often authors of books I've reviewed and in some cases they are authors suggesting I read their books. Carole Bellacera is an author who contacted me, suggested I read her latest book East of the Sun, West of the Moon and then offered to send me a copy. Immediately I responded that I would love to read this book and would review it once I finished it.I must admit that when I first looked at the book I didn't think I would enjoy it that much. To begin with except for one or two favorite romance authors, I've more or less stopped reading this genre. And of the romance books I do read and those I loved the least favorite theme I enjoyed is that of a younger man and older woman. Now that I've said that I must now add, that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. In the tradition of authors like LaVyrle Spencer and Barbara Taylor Bradford, Bellacera presents characters who are on the brink of changes in their lives and are also forced to make difficult decisions. And these decisions may ultimately cause hardships for some involved and joy to others. Central to the story is 40 years old, Leigh Fallon wife of a Congressman and mother of 3 children ranging in age from 10 to 19. While Leigh closes her eyes concerning Bob's emotional abuse towards her and his frequent absences from home, she can't deny the fact that he has been an unfaithful husband when evidence stares her in the face. But she puts her feelings aside until her son suggests housing a 27 year old exchange and graduate student from Norway. Suddenly Leigh has feelings for this young man that she thought she had long buried and when Erik seems to feel the same way, events are set in motion for a good book. Bellacera weaves an interesting tale as Leigh comes to grips with her own feelings, her deceitful and philandering husband, her judgmental children and two men who offer her
Happiness. Interspersed between the pages of this book are Norse folktales and legends along with well-written descriptions of various parts of Norway. And the book which is divided into two parts gains interest as a new man enters Leigh's life and there's also a bit of mystery surrounding the parentage of a young child and Erik. This novel was a fast read for me and I did enjoy it. It is a true romance novel with a happily ever after ending but I won't say anything more than suggest you read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: [inferior] plot, flat characters
Review: This is one of the most black&white painted story I read in a long time. The main characters are reflecting every clichee you ever heard of: the unfaithful, career-oriented congressman, the naive wife with a job as a children's book illustrator that is not taken serious by her husband, and the ever listening, handsome "quarter-back" type Norvegian exchange student. There is no space for the characters to develop. After giving this book three chances to "improve", I gave up at page 75 (of 380). This was too much for me. When did they start to publish dime novels as hard covers?
| 
