So Close
Fiction
Sparkpress
June 7, 2016
Paperback
316
Publisher via BookSparks
Amanda Beth Luker has spent her whole life desperately looking for someone who can show her the way out of her trailer park Florida town. And then, finally, help arrives in the form of Tom Davis, a successful lawyer with political aspirations who grew up just a few towns over from Amanda. But it's his wife, Lindsay, who really captures Amanda's imagination. Strong, smart, and determined, she gives Amanda something she's never had: a role model. Meanwhile Amanda is introduced to the wealthy, charismatic, and deeply troubled Pax Westerbrook. He clearly desires Amanda, but if she gives in will that move her closer to the life she's always dreamed of or make it impossible?
Amanda rides Davis's political success all the way to Washington, where he becomes Senator and will later be tapped for president and even make a bid for the White House. But when Amanda starts to suspect, and later confirms, his moral indiscretions, her loyalty is tested. Will a girl from a trailer park even be believed if she goes public with damning information? Will she be willing to risk losing everything she's gained?
My review:
I really loved this book in the beginning. I loved the story of Amanda trying so hard to better her life. I found there to be a great balance between humorous and serious parts. The political story (loosely based on John Edwards, who happens to be from my state) was captivating, particularly in this election year. The character of Lindsay was a gem, very well fleshed out. Then thrown into that we have Pax, who I thought should have been ditched from the story entirely! I never warmed to him, I felt that the relationship between he and Amanda was forced with absolutely zero chemistry. For me, while the writing remained solid, the story started to go a bit downhill in the second half. I got a bit tired of the campaign, didn't like Amanda and Pax, and Lindsay started to lose a bit of her luster. Not the most satisfying ending either.
Overall I would call this a quick beach read. It's well written, got some good humor, along with a couple characters to root for, but it gets tiresome as it progresses.
This book is part of the BookSparks summer reading challenge. Click the link to find out more about the challenge and follow along on social media using #SRC2016 and #BestSummerEver to find more reviews of this book and others.
