About [Books] The Rainbow Cedar by K_Johnson's review
Rainbow Sleeper
A big fan of Gerri Hill's writing, this reader was a little disappointed in this particular book.It lacks full character development and has an anemic plot.That said, I am comparing this offering to Hill's other work when I give it 4 stars instead of 5.If I were rating it on its own, I might give it 4.5 stars.
My partner and I both read this one in the same week.Both of us had a similar, slightly-disappointed reaction to the story.It's not all gloom and doom.Jay is a wonderful character on the surface - I just wish she had been written more dimensionally. She is in a bad situation, but can't bring herself to move on.In some ways I can respect that she's reluctant to give up a committed relationship for a new flame.However, at some point I would respect her more for making the tough decisions and moving on.
Bottom Line - Not one of Hill's best, but still an enjoyable read.
About [Books] The Rainbow Cedar by PickyReader's review
Back to the tried and true formula
I agree that Gerri Hill seems to be returning to her tried and true formula with this novel. After several disappointments, it's a relief to have enjoyed this book.
Jay and Drew meet as a result of a traffic accident and sparks fly instantly. Jay is in a long term relationship that is stale and she is neglected by her ambitious partner. Her dilemma is at the center of this story. Will she leave her partner and follow her heart or settle for second best?
There is nothing new or original in this plot, but Ms. Hill is an experienced author who makes sure her characters are interesting and sympathetic. I liked them enough to accept an ending that was a letdown, and writing that is jammed with cliches. Some of Ms. Hill's romances are pretty good but despite the hype, you can't depend on a high quality read every time unfortunately. The Rainbow Cedar is average, but it's a step up from The Cottage, so I'm giving it three stars.
About [Books] The Rainbow Cedar by Sage320's review
Standard story but OK for entertainment
Jay Burns has known for a long time that her relationship with her partner Katherine is in trouble.Katherine is so focused on making partner in her law firm that she's seldom home and they're very disconnected when she is.Jay is convinced that she shouldn't throw away eight years, so she buries herself in developing her new interior design business and avoiding confrontation.That becomes more difficult when she meets landscape designer Drew Montgomery.Jay tries to tell herself that their growing friendship is because of their mutual interests, but that delusion doesn't hold up long.The situation is further complicated when Katherine arranges a strange trip to Hawaii for them with a lawyer from her firm and her "date" - Drew.When Katherine and her friend are more interested in running off together, Jay begins to suspect that work is not all that has kept her lover away from home.As one relationship unravels, another one strengthens, until Jay finds herself in the confrontation she had hoped to avoid, but no longer fears.There is another life with Drew if they can put all of the pieces back together.
This is a standard Gerri Hill romance.The story is well told and most of the characters are appealing.The reader may wonder why Jay puts up with a minimal relationship for so long, but many people get caught in a status quo situation that they don't change until something dramatic happens. The really appealing character in the book is Drew, who could easily take advantage of a situation, but holds herself to a higher standard.She provides a stark contrast to Katherine.At the heart of the story is a theme that often isn't popular, infidelity, by both Katherine and ultimately Jay.The reader will probably be able to work her way around Jay's indiscretion because of Katherine's behavior.
The Rainbow Cedar is a good vacation or weekend reading book.It will be a good way to spend a few hours seeing how these women work out their situation.
