Overall Grade: A-/B+
“We experienced the world and the people in it in different ways.”
Jewel E. Ann’s A Good Book delivers substantial emotional depth as the third installment in her Sunday Morning series. Initial concerns about Gabby’s characterization proved unfounded, as Ann transforms what appeared to be a somewhat underdeveloped character in the previous volumes, Sunday Morning and The Apple Tree, into a compelling and multifaceted individual worthy of her own narrative arc.
The central premise of A Good Book revolves around the friends to lovers trope, a narrative device that frequently challenges contemporary romance authors. The inherent difficulty lies in establishing believable motivations for characters who have maintained platonic relationships for extended periods. Ann addresses this challenge through Ben, the male main character, who harbors romantic feelings for Gabby while simultaneously pursuing relationships with other women. His willingness to accept Gabby’s devotion to Matt simply to maintain proximity creates a potentially frustrating dynamic for readers accustomed to more direct romantic progression.
However, Ann demonstrates considerable narrative skill by revealing that Gabby has been aware of Ben’s feelings throughout their friendship, even during her preoccupation with Matt. This revelation transforms what could have been a predictable storyline into something more nuanced and emotionally authentic. The author’s ability to execute such narrative turns distinguishes her work within the romance genre and explains her dedicated readership.
The novel explores Gabby’s journey through complex themes of sexuality and religion, subjects that Ann examines through careful character development. Particularly noteworthy is the evolution of Gabby’s parents, who demonstrate growth in forgiveness and understanding compared to their treatment of Sarah in Sunday Morning and Eve in The Apple Tree. This character development represents one of the strongest elements of the narrative and illustrates Ann’s commitment to realistic family dynamics.
Ben emerges as a particularly well crafted character whose patient suffering creates both sympathy and occasional frustration. His constancy throughout the narrative provides emotional weight and demonstrates Ann’s skill in developing male characters who possess genuine emotional complexity.
Ann’s distinctive voice remains the primary strength of A Good Book. Her approach to contemporary romance differs significantly from genre conventions, as she refuses to provide easy resolutions or straightforward romantic development. Through economical prose, Ann explores fundamental truths about love and grief, themes that consistently appear throughout her contemporary romance catalog. Her willingness to challenge readers rather than simply entertain them elevates her work above typical genre offerings.
The 1980s setting, while accurately detailed and clearly drawn from personal experience, occasionally feels unnecessary to the overall narrative. The cultural references to music, fashion, and the lifestyle of the decade are meticulously researched and authentically presented, yet the temporal placement seems to serve little purpose beyond nostalgic appeal. This represents a minor criticism, as Ann’s decision to write from familiar territory rather than attempting to capture contemporary culture through a Generation X perspective demonstrates artistic integrity.
A Good Book succeeds as both a standalone romance and as part of the larger Sunday Morning series. Ann’s commitment to emotional authenticity, combined with her distinctive narrative voice, creates a reading experience that is both accessible and intellectually engaging. The novel challenges conventional romance expectations while delivering the emotional satisfaction that genre readers expect.
This reviewer awards A Good Book 4.5 stars and recommends it enthusiastically to readers seeking contemporary romance that offers both entertainment and substance. Ann’s work consistently distinguishes itself through its refusal to conform to predictable patterns, making her novels both highly readable and genuinely thought-provoking additions to the romance genre.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 