I have mixed feelings about this book. If possible I would probably actually give it 3.5/5. I can't exactly pin point what bothered me, but there are some things I feel like could have been better. The story was good no doubt. Considering all the story lines and problems that came up it was surprisingly well organized. I can't say I was okay with the age difference between Jane and Caleb. I have nothing against such relationships, nor do I have an issue with characters getting intimate on the page (after all Vicki Lewis Thompson is one of my all time favourite guilty pleasure authors.. I mean she even follows me on twitter and mails me gift cards). But I felt like a lot of the intimacy in this book was unnecessary in the sense that it didn't add much substance to the emotions thus making the age difference all the more awkward. Sure Jane felt awkward about it, but Caleb didn't and he also said that no one else but Jane felt awkward, so then why as a reader did I feel uneasy about it? In addition the phrase "I love you" was overly used. "I love you" is very strong in literature and should be used with caution and care and maybe it's just me but I felt like it was thrown around the way a jock may use it to get into bed with a girl. Lastly, the ending... so many pages were spent on the drive and the search for Caleb but once she found him I felt like it was very rushed. The book ended because the words THE END were on the last page but the story didn't come to a complete stop successfully... It was a more slam on the breaks (and not in a good WOAH WHAT JUST HAPPENED OMG way). The story didn't fall into place as smoothly as it had the potential to and really I would have rather seen a cute proposal than a ... the proposal can wait let's get tangled in bed first. Tangling a knot by proposing lavishly would have been a more elaborate and enjoyable ending, but that just might be the romantic in me (not that getting tangled in bed can't be romantic).It's a good read. But it's probably not something I'll read again. My standards for cute romance aren't necessarily high but perhaps my standard for characters that can successfully get intimate on the page both physically and emotionally certainly is (Thanks Vicki!) This is my first romance novel by a male author and I LOVED IT!!Jane's Melody is broken up into 3 parts. In part 1, we meet Jane and Caleb. Jane is 40 years old and dealing with the recent loss of her daughter. She has been dealing for years with issues involving her family and goes to weekly Al-Anon meetings to help with her problems. Caleb is a 24 year old homeless, struggling musician who seems to be dealing with his own issues as well. I was surprised by how much I was able to relate to Jane. I loved her! I loved that despite their age (and yes, I love younger men), Jane and Caleb had amazing chemistry.In part 2, we start to get a little of Caleb's POV, which I was ecstatic about...it was the one thing I was missing from the first part of the book. Jane and Caleb's relationship continues to grow. The love that these two had for each other was beautiful. Caleb was very mature for 24 and Jane found in this man a missing puzzle piece. He was what she needed in her life to feel whole."Maybe I can put it like this: there was always this ache in my guts, an aloneness, but whenever I'm with you it seems to disappear."And Caleb needed her as well: "Love is this feeling I have when I look at you. A feeling that as long as you're near me, or in the world even, then everything will be okay. That everything has meaning. It's as if I was seeing everything in shades of sepia-like and old movie reel-and everywhere I looked I saw suffering and pain. Then I heard your voice, I saw your face, and somehow the color came into everything."A lot of Jane's insecurities came out in this part of the book and once again, I found myself relating to her issues. Her doubts, questions about herself and their age difference...Caleb was right there to reassure her of his love and commitment to her. I loved him!Part 3 was where I had some issues...I understand that Jane had things that she needed to work on, resolving relationships with others...closure... Maybe she needed time to make sure she knew what she really wanted in her life. However, too much time was spent w/o Caleb. Months passed...and finally at 96%, they are reunited and the book just ends! No epilogue. Kind of a HFN ending.Overall, Jane's Melody was a beautiful novel and I am so happy that the author is continuing the story. I was left with so many questions and I can't wait to read Jane's Harmony!
What do You think about Jane's Melody (2013)?
this was a very good read. finished in one sitting. it is a must read, for sure!!!!!!!
—Duke
