The Reluctant Bride

Rating:
Summary: never underestimate the strength of the human spirit
Review: CK Veale weaves an interesting tale of Julia, a self-made woman who relies on cosmic guidance of an old mexican psychic. She follows the advice with the support of her best friend since college days who is a practicing psychologist. This friend, Paula, helps Julia come to terms with her troubled past.
Julia's sister, Shelly, and her mother, Nora, are facinating characters who add depth, sadness and flair to this great story.
This swift page turner explores the power and complexity of the female relationship; the frailties we hide; the sacrifice of the stolen dream; the absolute ability we have to create our own reality.
In short, Ms. Veale's first novel is an uplifting and powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Rating:
Summary: A page turner!
Review: I couldn't put this great book down. I enjoyed visiting the past of the character and seeing her develop in the present as well. I really found myself getting excited and anxious to see what was going to happen next. I can't wait for another book to come out! Outstanding work!

Rating:
Summary: A page turner!
Review: I enjoyed this book! It took me on a journey of the past and present of the character. I found that I had a hard time putting it down! It lured me to finish it and I couldn't help but wonder what the end was holding for the main character, Julia. I can't wait for another book to come out!

Rating:
Summary: A great book!
Review: I enjoyed this book! It took me on a journey of the past and present of the character. I found that I had a hard time putting it down! It lured me to finish it and I couldn't help but wonder what the end was holding for the main character, Julia. I can't wait for another book to come out!

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational!
Review: I was hooked from the first page! I found the story, although heart wrenching at times, very inspirational and uplifting. Julia is a woman we can all look up to; a woman who manages to overcome a tortured childhood and emerge whole and complete. The characters were richly painted and easy to identify with. My women's group is using this book as the first book in our newly formed book club and find that it has given us hours of stimulating and thought provoking conversation. We all love Julia and hope that Ms. Veale has a sequel in mind for this wonderful character.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational!
Review: I was hooked from the first page! I found the story, although heart wrenching at times, very inspirational and uplifting. Julia is a woman we can all look up to; a woman who manages to overcome a tortured childhood and emerge whole and complete. The characters were richly painted and easy to identify with. My women's group is using this book as the first book in our newly formed book club and find that it has given us hours of stimulating and thought provoking conversation. We all love Julia and hope that Ms. Veale has a sequel in mind for this wonderful character.

Rating:
Summary: The Dark Side of Human Behavior
Review: The book was an eye-opener for me. Having grown up in a loving family I was totally unprepared for the graphic descriptions of Julia's childhood. The author's portrayal and insight into abusive behavior were compelling-I found myself wanting to take Julia in my arms and tell her everything was going to be OK. The book served as a reminder for me that we can never take our children for granted. The development of Julia's character and how she faced life can serve us all as a wonderful example of overcoming life's hardships, without living/blaming the past.

Rating:
Summary: Descriptive Detail
Review: The detail in this book is so descripitive that the author pulls the reader into the story. I felt like I was on the sidelines watching the story unfold while holding back the tears, smiling, and cheering through different stages of the book. The main character is not only an inspiration but subtly teaches the reader some valuable lessons by just being who she is.
I am looking forward to enjoying more from C.K.Veale.

Rating:
Summary: Descriptive Detail
Review: The detail in this book is so descripitive that the author pulls the reader into the story. I felt like I was on the sidelines watching the story unfold while holding back the tears, smiling, and cheering through different stages of the book. The main character is not only an inspiration but subtly teaches the reader some valuable lessons by just being who she is.
I am looking forward to enjoying more from C.K.Veale.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: The Reluctant Bride offers a banquet of well developed characters that come to life as one follows along on a journey of grief and loss, self discovery, friendship and love.