Wednesday, June 15, 2011

On My Nightstand - Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant


Dani Davis bears the scars of an unhappy marriage, death of loved ones, and a troubled relationship with her mother. She's always longed to feel at home.

A visit to a long-lost aunt and a tiny town causes hope to spark, but can she deal with the lack of privacy and suspicion of outsiders? They eventually embrace her until a devastating event.

Steve Miller has lived in Miller's Creek all his life. After a romance comes to a tragic end, he manages to avoid holy matrimony.

Secrets, small-town gossip, and a community that works together form the backbone of the plot. Cathy is an excellent storyteller. My Mom read the book and informed me she wants the next one. I fully concur with her evaluation.

I'm looking forward to watching this author grow. I'll definitely purchase the next book in the Miller Creek series.

What determines whether or not you'll pick up another book by an author: excellent storytelling, perfect craft, dynamic characters?


14 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Sounds like a good review! The biggest determination in whether I'll read an author again is how I feel at the end of the book. If it grabbed me and I close it with a smile, then that will be an author I read again.
Even The Book Thief, a sad story, left me hopeful and smiling. So it's possible with every genre, imo. Thanks for the review!

Anonymous said...

To an extent, past perfomance is a good indicator. But overall I use reader reviews at Amazon and B&N as well as friends and bloggers. I nerver read critic reviews. Reader reviews are the best.

Kristen said...

For me it's the characters. If I'm still thinking about them long after the book is finished, then they've hooked me.
Thanks for the review, Susan.
Have a fantastic day!

Carol J. Garvin said...

It use to be just the storytelling, but the more I write, the more I need a balance of everything. I'm looking for great characters, a well-thought-out plot and an interesting setting, all in a well told story. That's not asking for much, is it?

TEXAS ROADS sounds like it will fit the bill quite nicely. Thanks for the recommend.

Karen Lange said...

Enjoyed both of Cathy's books. I like a good balance of plot and interesting characters that make me want to keep reading. :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Stephen -

I agree. The critics are often out of touch with what people like.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

LOL! If I'm praying for a character, I KNOW it's a good book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carol -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

Yes, I agree. A good balance of storytelling, characters, and setting add up to a winning novel.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Ooo, I didn't know the second book was already out. Mom's already got her request in for that one!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I know what you mean. Gone With the Wind is a classic, but the ending left me unsatisfied. I need a definite conclusion to walk away with that smile.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Terri Tiffany said...

characters that I love! Hope you are doing well and keeping up with life now that you are working!

lynnmosher said...

So glad to read about Cathy's book. Sounds great. Oh, and I'm a new follower! Blessings to you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I'm still adjusting, but loving every minute of the new job. I hit the two-month mark today. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Lynn -

Welcome, and thank you for becoming a Follower!

I look forward to getting to know you.

Blessings,
Susan :)