Fraternity of Silence

Rating:
Summary: Can I Give This Book Ten Stars?
Review: First, I HATE LOVE STORIES. Also, I HATE "CHIC LIT." This is both, yet I loved it.

Although written by a "chick" about a "chick" and likely mostly for "chicks," and primarily a love story, it croses these two genres into political intrigue and even murder (which is resolved in the end). It even has animal humor, yet another sub-genre! For a first-time novelist to cross so many genre lines and write in the first person is virtually unheard of, yet Ms. Shephard does it successfully.

I have recommended this novel to friends internationally and to the members of two critique groups to which I belong. I hope this book sells million copies, and I definitely plan to buy the planned sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Can I Give This Book Ten Stars?
Review: First, I HATE LOVE STORIES. Also, I HATE "CHIC LIT." This is both, yet I loved it.

Although written by a "chick" about a "chick" and likely mostly for "chicks," and primarily a love story, it croses these two genres into political intrigue and even murder (which is resolved in the end). It even has animal humor, yet another sub-genre! For a first-time novelist to cross so many genre lines and write in the first person is virtually unheard of, yet Ms. Shephard does it successfully.

I have recommended this novel to friends internationally and to the members of two critique groups to which I belong. I hope this book sells million copies, and I definitely plan to buy the planned sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Fraternity Of Silence - A roller-coaster ride of fun!
Review: FRATERNITY OF SILENCE. What's the perfect job for a journalism graduate from Michigan State University? Answer: Communications Director for the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Texas, of course. Especially, when he's a former TV news personality who makes her heart go pitter-patter every time he speaks. That's what happens to Christine Elizabeth Pullen, formerly known as Chrissy, now renamed Beth by her new boss. Katherine Shephard, with tongue firmly in cheek, launches Beth into a world of Texas politics, intrigue and romance. Fast paced, humorous and expressly readable, Beth's adventures will enthrall you from page one until the very end. Ms. Shephard's first full-length novel is a keeper.

Randy Rawls, author of the Ace Edwards mystery series, JAKE'S BURN, JOSEPH'S KIDNAPPING and JADE'S PHOTOS.

Rating:
Summary: I Hate Love Stories and "Chic Lit" -- But Loved This Book!
Review: I fail to see how anyone could not love this little novel. It held me captive for two hours until I finished the whole thing.

It is NOT primarily a murder mystery, yet it has a murder, which is resolved. It also has political intrigue and animal humor. Yet these plot elements are wrapped well in what is primarily a love story, and the book should be understood as such. I HATE LOVE STORIES. I ALSO HATE "CHIC LIT." This is both and I LOVED it. I definitely plan to purchase the sequel this spring. I disagree with the review wanting 6 stars, but only because I want ten for it!

I have already recommended it to my wife and to the members of two writing critique groups I belong to. As far as I am concerned, the world should buy it. So, I even recommended it to a person I know in Canada and, indirectly, another in Australia.

For a first novel to cross so many genres and to be in the first person? WOW!

Great work, Ms. Shephard. Keep it up.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, At Best
Review: I just finished reading this book and I'm sorry I spent money
on it. First, the ENTIRE murder mystery "plot" takes place in
ONE paragraph on the last page of the book. Give me a break!
There are lots of mistakes about timing and character situations
which don't make sense and are jarring to the reader. The rest
of the book can best be described as a romantic comedy. Even
more unbelievable is the ending -- which I cannot reveal, but
which I can say is truly incredulous to even the most tolerant
of readers, and just too convenient for the heroine. As far as
plot and quality of writing, the book's puppy could have done a
better job! Only plus, the character talks like a female Sam
Spade -- easy to read and humorous at times, but also loaded with
lots of Valley Girl phrases (do I really care what kind of
designer shoes Bob's wife wears?). I'm hard pressed to give
this one even two stars.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, At Best
Review: This book has great characters that jump off the page. This book is inspired by the author hearing stuff in the ladies bathroom. It's the perfect use of drama and humor. After all isn't that what composes life? Even when we get swept off are feet. I don't know who Bob Larken is but I would swear that I have met him in the Hill Country were part of this book takes place and where I live.