I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two lost souls find themselves drawn together by fate in author Karen Janowsky’s “Dear Prudence”.
The Synopsis
Two lost souls find a tether in the power of love.
Pru Blum’s life hasn’t been easy, but working as a cellist with the Lower Georgia Symphonic Orchestra is her solace. She depends on her friends and uncle for support, but she’s resolved to become stronger and more independent. However, avoiding her abusive ex, Cliff, isn’t easy… especially since he’s a member of the orchestra too. His overbearing personality and unwanted attention stop her in her tracks each time she tries to move forward.
Shawn Levinson’s life seems disjointed, almost as though it’s someone else’s. His parents adore and expect him to marry his girlfriend, Helena, and for him to work for her father’s corporation. Deep down, he knows their relationship is a sham. Besides, sitting at a desk and wearing a tie forever isn’t his dream. Whenever he tries to follow his own path, though, everyone dismisses his hopes as foolish. He doesn’t have the strength to oppose two families, so he escapes to Georgia to work on his parents’ retirement home and look for some clarity.
When these two lost souls literally collide, sparks fly, but neither wants the complication of a relationship. And Shawn hasn’t mentioned anything to Pru about Helena. No matter how hard they try to distance themselves, they can’t seem to keep away from each other. By the time they’re ready to admit their feelings, their pasts and secrets are poised to blow up in their faces. Falling in love may be exactly what they need… if they can each get out of their own way.
The Review
The story was such a moving and captivating contemporary romance novel. The imagery that the author is able to conjure in the reader’s mind with the powerful setting and atmosphere really elevated the narrative immediately, and the pacing was great in this book, as it allowed the chemistry between Pru and Shawn to grow at a natural pace. The tension that mounts over time as the chemistry brews more and more will enable readers to really feel the emotional and passionate connection these two lost souls develop for one another.
The heart of this story rested in the brilliant character development and the emotional narrative that builds up over time. The complex backstories of each protagonist and the problematic figures of their pasts that continue to haunt them made their story shine, and their connection to music and their Jewish heritage, as well as their shared pain and struggle, made the romance that bloomed more powerful and enthralling from the reader’s perspective.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Karen Janowsky’s “Dear Prudence” is a must-read contemporary romance novel. The slow-burn relationship that builds between these protagonists and the complex life backgrounds for them both, from the abusive ex who won’t leave her alone to the overbearing parents with a future carved out for their son, a fate he wants no part of, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Karen wanted to be an author and/or Wonder Woman when she grew up. One of those jobs was already taken, though. She lives with her husband, son, and six cats in Maryland, where she teaches college literature and writing. Karen received her MA in literature and creative writing from Florida State University. When she isn’t writing, she can often be found sitting at a friend’s dining room table drinking wine and playing RPGs, hanging out at the local Indian restaurant with her bestie, or curled up in bed with a few cats, listening to the rain and either reading a book or watching a BBC mystery.
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@paperback.writer3?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063337293596
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkarenjanowsky
Book Trailer 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKet2tsgqAY
Book Trailer 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8WfGsbxVY
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dear-prudence-karen-janowsky/1143800797
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dear-prudence-12
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Karen_Janowsky_Dear_Prudence?id=433LEAAAQBAJ