Review: Celebration

My Synopsis:

Celebration by Fern Michaels

(Audio book from the Library)

In this novel about love, hate and betrayal, we are introduced to Kristine Kelly, whose husband of 20 years, Logan disappears without a trace. Kristine and her family must face the fact that Logan skipped out on them with 8 million dollars of Kristine's inheritance money.

Kristine soon learns that her family life wasn't exactly what she thought it was as her children desert her as well, after revealing how their father treated them and blaming her for allowing it. Kristine takes a downward spiral as a drunk who doesn't care what happens to her, but with the help of an old friend she begins to rebuild her life. Will Kristine's children forgive her? Will she find love after all this time? Have they seen the last of Logan Kelly? Where is he and what has he been up to?

My Thoughts:

I have to be honest. It took me quite awhile to get through this audio book. Some of that was my fault because I have such a demanding schedule of reviews it's hard for me to focus on books I am only reading for pleasure. This book was my first experience with Fern Michaels, who I had heard was a very good romance writer. I reserve judgement on an author until I have read at least 2 or 3 books. It's a good thing in this case because I just didn't like it.

The premise was good. Army wife is betrayed by her conniving husband and must rebuild her life from the ground up. Restoring her family business, the confidence of her children and finding a lasting love. However, where it fell short was character development. Kristine was not a character I felt like I respected until close to the end of the book. Her decisions in the beginning were not only thoughtless, but not in the best interest of her children. I am a family person. My children mean the world to me and I just couldn't understand the character being that blind. I was disappointed in her.

Logan's character was not only conniving but just plain mean spirited. I was happy that he was thwarted in the end and that he ended up paying for his mistakes where it hurt the most, his pocketbook. But, I just felt completely disconnected from the characters and the book kind of fell flat for me. I'm not usually one for writing reviews that unflattering because I really enjoy reading no matter what the subject matter is, but this one was difficult for me.

Unfortunately, I have to give this one 3 out of 5 apples from my book bag! I would almost go to a 2, but there were some redeeming parts near the end.