Average rating: 3.94
Our rating: 3.5 out of 5
Literary awards: Nominee for Next Generation Indie Book award ('13) & The San Diego book awards ('13)
Buy it here:Amazon | Barnes & Noble |
As with any other review copy, I start off slow, read every page carefully, highlight favourites and bits that I think need changing... but not with this one. Oh Dee, you comedy genius.
I've always enjoyed the fantasy aspect of Dee's work, as you never quite know what to expect. Her stories are unpredictable, always surprising and most of all, heart warming, and this one was no different.
The story follows Elle Miller, a bright young woman who writes for a popular soap opera for a living. Life would be wonderful, could be so wonderful- But is it? Oh no. Far from it, actually. After the untimely death of her father, Elle feels more lost than ever and still struggles to cope a year after his passing. When her precious laptop breaks down and she's once again threatened to be 'fired' Elle finds herself at a loss on how to proceed, knowing she's on a tight deadline and has only hours to finish her next script.
No laptop. No writing. No Job. No nothing.
When she decides to ''borrow'' her fathers old laptop, things suddenly take a strange turn. Strange noises coming out of the laptop, random images flashing up on the screen and to top if off, Elle even ends up in the hospital, but despite all odds, ends up boosting her career to the top. What are the chances?
So without spoiling the rest for you let's just say, borrowing her dads laptop turns out to be one of the best decisions she's ever made.
If you want to know more, go get yourself a copy!
In all honesty, I could not put the book down, Dee's narrative voice flows so smoothly the reader can't help falling for her characters.
Her characters are real, fleshed out beings, all dealing with their own bag of issues which is what makes them so easy to relate to. The reader experiences reality, while also being able to experience elements of fantasy and paranormality. A nice blend, that is for sure.
Elle's character in particular was most enjoyable, her sharp sense of humour and her snarky personality brought so much life to the story and made it just that much more special. The dialogue was superb and had me giggling all the way through.
Apart from the sizzling romance and brilliant humour, the story also addresses a couple of heavier topics, such as religion, loss and the after life. Another fine blend that encourages you to think and maybe even invites you to be more grateful, happy and most of all, thankful for your loved ones.
Overall, All My Restless Life to Live certainly hit the mark, and can only be rated as a must read for all all woman's fiction lovers out there.
Wonderful work, Dee & thanks to Giselle Cornier (@ExpressoBookTour) for the review copy!