The Wilder Sisters

Rating:
Summary: Writing ranks up there with McMurtry
Review: As a male reader, I always come away from reading one of Jo-Ann Mapson's books better understanding how women think and feel about love, relationships and....men. In The Wilder Sisters, I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics of Rose and Lily's parents, who operate a horse ranch in Floralee, New Mexico. While there is no actual town of Floralee on the map, I found clues that made me believe we were in Taos--Michael's Restaurant, Sage Bakery, etc. Mapson's strength in painting locales and developing characters is strong and convincing. She doesn't shy away from examining human imperfections, but she doesn't male-bash, either. Austin, the alcoholic vet Rose has a crush on, comes across as a complex, sympathetic character. So does Rose's father, Chance, but I have to say my favorite character was Shep Hallford, the ranch wrangler. In this respect, Mapson's writing belongs right up there with Larry McMurtry--if he wore a skirt.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, warm Mapson treat
Review: Having read both Hank and Chloe novels, I was eager to
continue reading Jo-Ann Mapson; The Wilder Sisters was
no disappointment.

The Wilder Sisters are driven, outgoing Lily; and homebody
nurturing Rose, both of whom examine their lives and dreams
as they relate to love and family.

The Rose/Austin situation was interesting if predictable, but
I wasn't too thrilled with Lily's giving up her profession
because of the weaknesses of the doctors involved. I felt she
should have been more of a fighter, as she was with Shep's
right-to-die situation.

The Poppy Wilder character was another fascinating Mapson
creation of the Woman Who Can Have It All. Bravo!

Altogether a wonderful, warm romantic if slightly idealized
slice-of-life.

I especially recommend the audiotaped versions of the novels--
I love the southwestern Hispanic lilt the narrator provides
for her characters.

Rating:
Summary: Relaxing and heart warming
Review: I don't understand the people who have said they thought this book was slow. I savored every word and didn't want the book to end. Mapson's prose sparkles, and her observations about life, love, and family are witty and funny and oh so true. I also loved the world of the Wilder sisters. The New Mexico setting was wonderfully drawn, and even though I know nothing about horses, I felt a part of that world and understood the feelings of the people in it. This is a wonderful book, the kind I would heartily recommend to my own sisters and daughters. I can't wait to read Ms. Mapson's other books.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've read this year!
Review: I don't understand the people who have said they thought this book was slow. I savored every word and didn't want the book to end. Mapson's prose sparkles, and her observations about life, love, and family are witty and funny and oh so true. I also loved the world of the Wilder sisters. The New Mexico setting was wonderfully drawn, and even though I know nothing about horses, I felt a part of that world and understood the feelings of the people in it. This is a wonderful book, the kind I would heartily recommend to my own sisters and daughters. I can't wait to read Ms. Mapson's other books.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing story, albeit wordy
Review: I've read all of Mapson's books, and I'll continue reading them as they are published. This book kept me turning the pages, although I thought the characters' behavior uneven and the writing heavy on the musings and light on action. A good story to read on a rainy day, but not exactly deep literature.

Rating:
Summary: descriptive but falls short
Review: The premise reminded me of Gail Godwin's "A Mother and Two Daughters," with two middle-aged sisters reevaluating their life after the death of their father. Unlike that book, however, "The Wilder Sisters" lacks subtlety and depth when it comes to its characters. While appealing, their differences are exaggerated to their point where they almost (but not quite) become stereotypes. While I certainly couldn't begrudge them their ultimate happiness, I couldn't help but wish it revolved a little less around men. This isn't an insult, but I would be very interested in seeing this turned into a Lifetime Channel movie. It seems tailor made for a two-hour TV movie, the kind you can curl up and watch on a rainy weekend with a friend.