The Sicilian Amulet – Jo Manning

On a recent trip to Dublin I found a lovely wee bookshop in Malahide.  Naturally I had to buy a book and as usual being on the hunt for a bargain I was drawn to a hardcopy of The Sicilian Amulet with a price tag of €3.  It had an interesting title and the cover was appealing.  Well, the old adage applies …… never judge a book by its cover.

Amazon Synopsis

Jane Holland finds herself strangely drawn to Sicily and is introduced to a prince named Lorenzo, who gives her an amulet. His grandfather Maurizio made two and gave the other one to a beautiful peasant woman. Later, Jane discovers that her great-aunt had a scandalous affair with a married man. Are the spirits of Maurizio and Caterina working through Jane and Lorenzo to bring closure to that tragic love affair?

My Review

I laboured through the book as some part of the story did entice me (perhaps entice is too strong a word more accurately peaked my interest).  However the love story, which accounts for a large percentage of the novel I found just too ‘Mills and Boon’ for my liking.  I also found the writing, to be kind, less than sophisticated and the narative predictable. 

I would describe this novel as chick lit which may appeal to YA’s, (maybe I’m just in my grumpy old woman phase). 

Reflection - Jessica Roberts

Amazon Blurb

Bright, spunky Heather Robbins has escaped her small hometown and is anxiously beginning her freshman year of college. Rising above her rocky childhood, she’s found a place where good things are finally starting to happen: her own private apartment, refreshing college classes, and an intense attachment to a mysterious and rugged classmate, Nick Richards.

But when her dreamy college life turns out to be nothing more than a wonderful dream while resting in a coma, questions threaten.

Now, Heather must press forward to unlock the real past, and find the answers buried deep in her mind. What she unlocks instead is a roller coaster ride through flashbacks, embellished memories, and a whirlwind romance.

And when it’s all over and she comes face to face with the truth, will she lose everything she’s fallen in love with?

MY REVIEW

Interesting concept. The story is told as the protagonist, Heather, recounts the life she lived whilst in a coma to a doctor.  Although it was an easy, interesting read I found the romance too long and drawn out, for me it swamped what could have been a very good novel.  I do however think it would appeal very much to young adults.