Shattered by a failed romance, challenged by a different job, feature writer Cammie O’Shea dreads meeting her new boss, the editor of The Sun Dial newspaper, in Destin, Florida. However, her real source of angst turns out to be Vic Deleona, the influential real estate tycoon she must write about to generate interest in the paper.While she refuses to open herself to another painful relationship he attempts to court her. Seeing him as pompous, she nonetheless goes out of her way to maintain a good business association.
However, when her friend, Angie Jones, has a break-in at her condo and there’s a mysterious vandalism at Cammie’s unit, Vic comes to their rescue, Cammie sees his Christian side and love blossoms.
My Take:
Eeeesh. I really truly try to give an honest review without being crushingly brutal if I hated the book, but I felt as though this one was not done well. The one good thing about the book was the love interest, Vic, but he was treated so poorly by the main character that I cringed every time they got together. I didn't find Cammie to be relatable or enjoyable to read about at all. She was so presumptuous and judgmental that I honestly was rooting for Vic to dump her and find someone else that would treat him better. Basically she treated him like absolute crap, constantly calling him "high and mighty Vic" when he was nothing but nice and casual with her. I also wasn't a big fan of the dialogue, it felt much too formal-not natural at all. There was another aspect of Love Turns the Tide that was interesting, but not endearing. The book felt like a commercial for Coca-Cola (never referred to casually as Coke, only Coca-Cola) and various sandwiches. Literally at least every second or third page, someone is eating a sandwich or drinking a Coke, usually both. After 172 pages, this tends to grate on a person. Finally the biggest disappointment was the lack of heart in the romance. When I read a romance, I want to hear physical descriptions ( I didn't have a very good idea of what Cammie and Vic looked like), pining inner monologue, or declarations of love. Love Turns the Tide was a bit lackluster, because the romantic descriptions were limited to "enjoying each other's company", "finding someone appealing" Where is the passion? Unfortunately not here, and all of this, plus the overabundance of Bible insertions (which I like if they are natural, these weren't) I have to give this book a 5, Don't Bother.
Do you agree with my review? Do you think I'm totally off base? Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to lave a comment and tell me how you feel!
A few words with the author, Gail Pallotta:
The Book Buff: When did you begin writing?
Gail Pallotta: Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story for publication in grammar school when a friend and I put out a newspaper about our classmates. I write because I can't not write. My husband says I have pretend people and events running around in my head, and I have to let them out. Perhaps, he's right.
TBB: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
GP: Hope -- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." Romans 8: 28.
TBB: How did you come up with the names of your characters?
GP: Before Cammie's fiance broke her heart she was a friendly, carefree person. I wanted a happy sounding name that conveyed that. Even though the emotional turmoil in Cammie's life overshadows her personality for a while, she regains her vitality through faith, friends, and her new love, Vic. I wanted the hero, Vic Deleona, to have a strong name. While he's busy with his real estate investments he never quits or tires of trying to win Cammie's heart. In the end Cammie sees his strength and goodness.
TBB: Do you have any advice for other writers?
GP: If writing is a part of you, and you have a story to tell never give up. Keep writing and believe in your story. Since each person is unique no one else could write your story like you.
TBB: What is the most interesting thing about you?
GP: I'm just an ordinary person. But perhaps in this day and age it is that total strangers seem to trust me. For instance, one day my daughter and I were in a check-out line at a discount store when the lady in front of us started talking to me about an item she wished she had bought. The more she discussed it the more she wanted it. Finally she looked at me. Speaking hurriedly she said, "Watch my basket and purse. I'll be right back." And she went to get the item. In case anyone is wondering, I did as she asked.
TBB: Is there a website or page you would like to be included on your review post?
GP: Sure, my Web site is http://www.gailpallotta.com and my blog is http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com. The publisher's site is www.awe-struck.net.
Gail Pallotta: Writing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first story for publication in grammar school when a friend and I put out a newspaper about our classmates. I write because I can't not write. My husband says I have pretend people and events running around in my head, and I have to let them out. Perhaps, he's right.
TBB: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
GP: Hope -- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." Romans 8: 28.
TBB: How did you come up with the names of your characters?
GP: Before Cammie's fiance broke her heart she was a friendly, carefree person. I wanted a happy sounding name that conveyed that. Even though the emotional turmoil in Cammie's life overshadows her personality for a while, she regains her vitality through faith, friends, and her new love, Vic. I wanted the hero, Vic Deleona, to have a strong name. While he's busy with his real estate investments he never quits or tires of trying to win Cammie's heart. In the end Cammie sees his strength and goodness.
TBB: Do you have any advice for other writers?
GP: If writing is a part of you, and you have a story to tell never give up. Keep writing and believe in your story. Since each person is unique no one else could write your story like you.
TBB: What is the most interesting thing about you?
GP: I'm just an ordinary person. But perhaps in this day and age it is that total strangers seem to trust me. For instance, one day my daughter and I were in a check-out line at a discount store when the lady in front of us started talking to me about an item she wished she had bought. The more she discussed it the more she wanted it. Finally she looked at me. Speaking hurriedly she said, "Watch my basket and purse. I'll be right back." And she went to get the item. In case anyone is wondering, I did as she asked.
TBB: Is there a website or page you would like to be included on your review post?
GP: Sure, my Web site is http://www.gailpallotta.com and my blog is http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com. The publisher's site is www.awe-struck.net.
If you are interested in purchasing titles from this author, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!
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28 comments:
this review totally cracked me up! your blog is wonderful!
Wow. Reading the synopsis, I was like "ewwwww. this sounds terrible... I really hope the review isn't good, because I just might have to unsubscribe."
Glad to see that I still have a reliable reviewer on my hands!
Harsh, much? I will give you credit for being honest though. Since I haven't read the book myself I can't comment on it, but as an author, it does sting to get a review like this. Honest reviews are appreciated, but maybe a little more tact in the delivery would be a good idea.
I haven't read "Love Turns The Tide", but intend to. I've read several wonderful reviews on it. This is the first bad one the book has received.
But, 'Different strokes for different folks," I suppose.
Different strokes for different folks...couldn't agree more. When I give a bad review, I specify why, that way the reader can make up their own mind.
I'm glad I found your site and will use it as a resource on choosing my books to read. Like most people I get too busy and reading goes by the way side because I don't keep up with what is out there and stick with the same 'ole themes.
I can tell your going to enlighten me.
Thanks for that!
Grace
I know how busy reviewers are, so I certainly appreciate Kate taking time to read my book. And her willingness to have her readers make up their own minds is definitely a plus. I'd like to give the readers two other links, so they can see both sides, the good as well as the bad, before making up their minds. One is
http://misslynnsbooks-n-more.blogspot.com/2010/03/love-turns-tide-by-gail-pallotta.html
and another is http;//literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2009/09/love-turns-tide.html?zx=83c7c4e
Well I have read the book and I thought it was wonderful!!! As someone who has had their heart broken before finding my true love, I know how hard it is to trust another and risk more heartache. It can make a person jaded, and the author depicted that perfectly in Cammie.
And I agree, this is the first poor review I've seen for Love Turns the Tide. The reviewer could have definitely been more tactful. There is no sense in bashing a book like this.
Remember what goes around comes around.
I certainly appreciate Kate taking the time to read Love Turns the Tide. I know reviews are busy. And, the fact that she wants her readers to make up their own minds is a plus. I'd like to supply two links, so her readers can do that by seeing both the good and the bad. For two other reviews go to
http://misslynnsbooks-n-more.blogspot.com/2010/03/love-turns-tide-by-gail-pallotta.html
and http://literarynymphsreviewsonly.blogspot.com/2009/09/love-turns-tide.html?zx=83c7c4e
Thanks
Do you agree with my review? Do you think I'm totally off base? Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to lave a comment and tell me how you feel!
What's the point when you refuse to post the responses?
Word is out about you on FB and Twitter so it makes no difference.
I agree what goes around comes around, thats why when my work is ripped apart I am totally fine with it, because I look at it as a way to improve myself. I'm sorry that people have taken offense to my review. I am not going to sugarcoat a book I completely disliked. Each person is entitled to their own opinion. I always post any opposition to my reviews because I believe in the validity of a person's opinion. If you do not think this is the case, I'm sorry, you are mistaken.
also, I did want to point out that while I am totally fine with a person hating my review, I am not very happy about a person claiming that I do not post all comments made on my blog, because I do. You can hate my reviews, but you cannot accurately claim that I do not allow opposition. For an example, please see the comments on the review I did of the book Ponder Awhile. It got a little heated between some of the commentators, but I posted everything. I do have integrity, which is why authors choose to use me as a source for honest reviews.
Hi,
"Love Turns the Tide" by Gail Pallotta has all the makings of a wonderful romance. I have read good reviews up until now and look forward to reading the book soon.
There are constructive ways to craft a review so the reviewer's point of view is clear and well-delivered; and not just destructive. As a reminder, reviews actually are not crafted simply from opinions and personal reactions (which have their own place) - review writing is a specific and technical literary motif with its own formulaic skill requirements which, unfortunately, were sorely lacking in this instance.
Thank you,
Regina
I've not read this book, but I've also not heard of BB as being a reputable reviewer either.
Manners and tact can be ditched completely by shouting the word "honesty." One will always appreciate hearing honesty, but it hits home much better if given in a constructive, not destructive, way.
A reviewer, or reader, is no different from an author. We're all people with hearts and emotions. If one has spent hours baking a certain kind of cake and you offer it freely to a guest, then that guest spits out the bite and declares, "This is horrible! I'm going to tell everyone you can't bake at all!" What the guest should have done is put the fork on the plate and said, "This really isn't the flavor I like. I'll just set this aside."
For you to review the book, I'm sure you were given a free copy just as the guest above was given a free slice of cake. Though you don't like the story, I'm sure if you'd thought more diligently, you could have phrased your opinion so you'd be a guest that would be welcomed again.
I would just like to point out that several people who comment on BB's review claimed that she was not very tactful in her writing. However, no where did I notice anyone give an example of HOW she was not tactful. This is something that BB does do when she writes her reviews; she tells her opinion AND says why she thinks so. I think we owe her the same courtesy as she gives the authors she reviews.
I, for one, love the Book Buff's blog! I have never found anything here that was not tactful, tasteful, honest, and most importantly, the book buff's opinion? She has never been hateful, rude, or attacked any of the work she reviewed. I am sorry, but what many of you above are asking her to do, is sacrifice her integrity, and "set aside" honest reviews, which she indicates repeatedly are for her OWN PERSONAL taste. For those of you attacking her personally, shame on you. She did not attack the work, simply pointed out she did not care for it, and instead of giving us no explanation as to why, gave us examples. If you like reading this type of book, read on. If you don't, move on. Most importantly, BB did not attack the author. For those of you "tweeting" or whatever it is you are doing that BB is a harsh critic, I'm sorry, but um.... kudos to the BB. I do not want to read sugar-coated, ego stroking, cheap literary reviews. I want honesty and opinion. After all, we are still entitled to that. As for the author, I found her posts to be quite tactful and an appropriate response, and because of that, do have a very deep respect for her. However, for those who attack people's integrity, simply because their view is different than yours, I feel sorry for you. It's a big part of what is wrong with this country. Problem is, we all have a right to what we believe. And if you can't handle that, perhaps you should avoid reading honest reviews. Instead, I would recommend if you seek a review of a book you are contemplating reading, stick to what is posted on the publisher's page. Otherwise, you just might not hear what it is you wanted to.
I thought it was good book. A lot better than some I've read.
Enough said!
Did anyone else notice that the only people who liked this book were friends of the author?
If you ask for an honest review, then expect an honest review. It's simple. If you can't handle an honest review, don't ask for your book to be reviewed. That would be the mature thing to do, wouldn't it?
I noticed that Gina attacked BB personally by commenting on how BB does not know how to write a correct review. Isn't it interesting though at much attention this blog gets? Seems like BB's reviews are in high demand. If they weren't, why would there be so many followers? It seems to me that some people cannot handle the truth about their (or their friends) writing and in turn need to try and put others down to make themselves look better.
I've seen a lot of book blogs out there and this one goes above and beyond the rest. Keep it up!
Seems like BB's reviews are in high demand. If they weren't, why would there be so many followers?
Could it possibly be the giveaways? Dah! A successful tactic for every blog toting more than 100 followers. You learn that in Blogger 101.
If BB was a reputable reviewer she would be reviewing for major publishers instead of hounding authors to come onto her blog site so she can trash their work in order to gain attention. A ‘Smart Bitches’ wanna be if you ask me.
If you want to read real and honest reviews, stick to reputable sites.
@Crystal, if you look at the site a little more, you'll find major books I get from publishers (I'm on Random House's list, hachette, double day, harper collins) but I get dozens and dozens of requests from little authors every day, so I accept some here or there. With as many followers as I have, even if an author gets a bad review, it is sill generating significantly more buzz than they had before. Speaking of publishers, everyone stay tuned, Philippa Gregory's The Red Queen and James Patterson's Private will be up soon :) Also another reason I still have little authors around here is that I grew so popular so fast, that back when I agreed to do some of these reviews I was a really teeny blog. I don't want to ditch the small authors I agreed to review just because I am popular now.
Bottom line, people seriously overreacted about this review. The author had almost no exposure before, now she has exposure for free (she sent me a digital copy, so she isn't even out the cost of a book)so even though I didn't like her book, she still got free publicity.
My dear Crystal Higgins,
The name calling, the snyde remarks and trashing a site on no basis is awfully middle-schoolish. I would say though, in lieu of growing up, perhaps it best to first read the site, acknowledge that it is family oriented, and keep the foul language reeled in, at the very least. Again, the author herself was quite tactful in receiving these reviews. Because of that, I may consider reading future works, but just not this one. And you know what, that's ok. We can't all like every book we read. We can't all like every piece of art we see, movie we watch, or song we hear. And that too, is ok. Bashing a blogger though, because they're successful? Hmmm... unless the site contained adult content, I don't see how any strategy used to get word out about your blog is a negative thing. Call me crazy, but isn't that kind of the point? And also, it's not just give aways, if you hadn't noticed, she reviews those books first. Also, I would be willing to bet that BB has quite a number of books at home, and probably wants to share the written word, instead of hoarding it all. I do not like personal attacks on people for expressing their opinion, particularly when the individual expressing their opinion, stresses that IT IS THEIR OPINION. Additionally, I do not understand why these attacks are happening on this site. The review was well received by the author. So, why not others? And why, you might ask, am I defending BB? Because I happen to follow the blog, and do not appreciate immature, ill-natured, and malicious attacks on those who simply share their opinions, and mean no harm. As for the '"Smart Bxxxxes" wanna be' comment, let me say this. Based on the work, and even the comments posted by BB, I'm assuming BB is far more intelligent than anybody who would use such language in a public forum, and (clear throat), that phase, is quite grammatically incorrect. Good day! (And BB, keep up the good work! The rest of us regular people (who your blog is geared towards), will definately be back for more.)
I've read comments from both sides, and know what? Neither side has accomplished anything except division and strife.
Some live for controversy...my ex, for example. Notice I said "ex." LOL. I, for one, do not enjoy it.
This battle originated when several of the author's friends came to her defense over a hurtful review.
But, if Book Buff gave her honest opinion, that's okay. Only she and the Lord know that. But if her original intentions were to use the book to make a public display of an unsuspecting author, that's another story. Only Book Buff and the Good Lord know the truth.
As a Christian, after seeking God's will, I plan to give the reviewer the benefit of the doubt.
Barbs have been thrown from both sides. The author's friends came to rally for her, then Book Buff's friends came to her defense.
Let's lay down our swords and extend an Olive branch to one another, remembering Jesus' wise words known as The Golden Rule:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Nothing is settled by throwing barbs. And the reviewer along with the everyone els must search their own hearts to read their true intentions.
Gail Pallotta will survive. She is an amazing author with a tender heart, who searches God's will out for her life.
Thank you, Book Buff, for allowing these comments.
May the peace of God which "surpassess all understanding" reign in your heart.
I've read comments from both sides, and know what? Neither side has accomplished anything except division and strife.
Some live for controversy...my ex, for example. Notice I said "ex." LOL. I, for one, do not enjoy it.
This battle originated when several of the author's friends came to her defense over a hurtful review.
But, if Book Buff gave her honest opinion, that's okay. Only she and the Lord know that. But if her original intentions were to use the book to make a public display of an unsuspecting author, that's another story. Only Book Buff and the Good Lord know the truth.
As a Christian, after seeking God's will, I plan to give the reviewer the benefit of the doubt.
Barbs have been thrown from both sides. The author's friends came to rally for her, then Book Buff's friends came to her defense.
Let's lay down our swords and extend an Olive branch to one another, remembering Jesus' wise words known as The Golden Rule:
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Nothing is settled by throwing barbs. And the reviewer along with the everyone els must search their own hearts to read their true intentions.
Gail Pallotta will survive. She is an amazing author with a tender heart, who searches God's will out for her life.
Thank you, Book Buff, for allowing these comments.
May the peace of God which "surpassess all understanding" reign in your heart.
Amen sista!
Hi All,
I have stayed out of this until now as I have not read this book.
I do know it has received good reviews from more than just "friend's of the author".
I also feel Kate's opinions of whatever she chooses to read and put on her blog are her business, to a point. If she read the book and didn't like it, then that is her opinion. Free speech and all that.
BUT, and this is a big one, perhaps Kate should explain to help clear up the misunderstandings here that she actually approached this author, twice in fact, and asked to review this particular book. The author did not SEEK a review here, quite the opposite. THAT is what so offended this author's friends and had them upset. It would be like someone inviting you to lunch and then telling them, YOU are fat. Authors take their work personally...as if you spoke of their children or their spouse. There is some question as to whether this was an ambush. Only Kate and God know the answer to that for a fact.
Gail did respond in a lady-like, professional way and I'm sure God is proud of her as are her friends and those of us who don't know her.
And no one has called anyone an inappropriate name as "Smart Bitches" is the actual name of a review site where authors are invited and then snarked or trashed as a "style" to attract attention. Perhaps one should do some research before jumping to conclusions about some things and then talking about another person's ignorance.
I personally also know that any reviewer with a blog and over 500 followers can get on a list for free books from large publishing houses to give away and promote sales, so that does not impress me.
I'm also not impressed with someone who waylays new members of a club and invites them over promising free stuff as a means of making up those numbers either, then Lords it over "little" authors when they deign to give them a review. Very bad form.
However if that is the way Kate chooses to maintain her blog, it is up to her.
I pray everyone can wipe the dust of this one off their feet, respect each others rights, if not their opinions, and move on.
Now, because I am a well-known author, I am posting as anonymous.
And I see that moderation has been enabled, so this may not be posted. If it is, then I do believe a bit more in Kate's integrity. If not, then God still knows the truth.
I was done posting comments about this whole debacle until I read the last comment which had some very untrue statements. Again, attack my writing all day long and I am fine with it, I respect a person's opinion, but when I get attacked as a person, I must respond. I did not contact this author repeatedly for a review. She contacted me and requested one. I did send her a welcome message on Ning (which I do for literally everyone who joins the Nings I am on) I'm sorry, but I did not specifically seek her out. I send a welcome message to EVERYONE on my Nings, that is over 100 people a day. If you'd like to check it out, go to bookblogs.ning.com (as one example, for others try the 20 something bloggers Ning, book town, book place, she writes, etc.) and look at all new members from the past few months and you will see the same comment to each person. You will also see that I welcome them to check out my blog, not request a review. I do this for several reasons, first is to market my blog, naturally. The next reason is because I remember how overwhelming it was to start out on Ning trying to market my blog, so I offer to give people advice, and I answer every single question which comes my way (this means dozens of questions I answer every day). Again, I did not seek out the review, the implication that I would seek out small authors just to bash them is ridiculous. I have featured dozens of self published and small publishers books and given many favorable reviews. I never "deign" to give a review to a smaller author and I don't "Lord"over people. I give an honest review, like I said I don't care where it came from. I have given smaller author's better reviews on some of their books than I have given James Patterson books.
Now, if you are a well known author, I'm sure you must know that criticism is good. You want to improve your work, even if that means people telling you what they don't like. That is just the way of the literary world, as I'm sure you know. I do not seek to ambush! What would be the point? I am trying to build a blog based on honesty in reviews, why would I spoil my good name for something stupid like an "ambush"? I put hours in on this blog every day, I'm not in it to abuse authors. I have a wonderful fulfilling life with a great family, great husband, great kid, and I don't need to get my jollys off messing with nice people. Honestly, with a sick husband, a full time job, a child, and trying to get this blog off the ground I don't have the time or energy to even consider something insane and unfounded like that. I just read and review, simple.
I would not give out any review I would not be okay with accepting myself, when it comes to my writing, I have thick skin, as you must to become a successful author (as I'm sure you know), which I someday hope to become. Rejection is part of the process, and you can't freak out when it happens (which I respect the author for not doing).
Kate,
I've just read the most recent comments. The annoymous author is right -- God knows the truth. My father once gave me something to live by, and it's good advice. "If all's right between you and the Lord, nothing else matters."
Kate,
I have just read the most recent comments. The annoymous author is right. God knows the truth. My father once gave me good advice to live by. "If all's right between you and the Lord, nothing else matters."
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