Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Review: Spinning Forward by Terri Dulong







Author: Terri Dulong

Genre: Women's Fiction

Publisher: Kensington Books

About (from Publisher):
In a debut novel brimming with warmth and wit, Terri DuLong spins a tale of new beginnings, old friends, and lives forever bound… 

A New Englander born and bred, the last place Sydney Webster expects to find herself starting over is on an island off the coast of Florida. Yet here she is in Cedar Key, trying to pull herself together after her husband's untimely death—and the even more untimely revelation of his gambling addiction. Bereft of her comfortable suburban life, Syd takes shelter at a college pal’s bed and breakfast, where amidst the bougainvillea blossoms and the island's gentle rhythms, a plan begins to form
Syd never considered the possibility of turning her passion for spinning and knitting into something more than a hobby, but when the unique composition of her wool draws attention, a door is opened—the first among many. Yet even as she ventures out of her comfort zone, Syd finds herself stepping into the embrace of a community rich with love, laughter, friendship...and secrets. And as long-hidden truths are revealed, Syd faces a choice: spin a safety net—or spin decidedly forward and never look back...


My Thoughts:
 
Spinning Forward is a debut novel written by Terri Dulong. Her writing is reminiscent of Debbie Macomber but she definitely spins her own style within this novel. I enjoy women's fiction and books about knitting and that cover with the pink yarn definitely drew me in. This isn't a cotton candy fluffy novel, it is a wonderful tale of  friendship, new beginnings and connections of the heart. Sydney is from New England and finds herself starting over in her 50's on the island of Cedar Key in Florida. Her husband died suddenly revealing secrets that she had never known as she tended to take a passive, behind the scenes role in her life and marriage. She stays with her college friend Ali who owns a Bed & Breakfast and must find a way to go forward. Sidney turns her passion for spinning and knitting into a specialty shop and must find her way within the community of Cedar Key. There is love, friendship, secrets, challenges and reaching forward to a new life. Spinning Forward is full of wonderful characters and the charm of small community life. I did enjoy the story as it's not too heavy or romancy but has a good balance of charm and wit. Some of the story was predictable but that didn't sway my enjoyment of this novel. It is the perfect book to read that will touch your heart and it is a great book to read on a cold winter day as I did. I finished this book while at home on a snowy day with a blizzard outside while I was cozy in front of the fire with a cup of tea and a copy of Spinning Forward. I look forward to reading Terri Dulong's second novel Casting About, that continues as the second book in the Cedar Key series.

Recommend: Yes, especially if you enjoy women's fiction and authors with similar writing styles as Debbie Macomber. If you're a fan of knitting related novels, this is one that you should definitely check out. 

Source: Thanks to the publisher Kensington Books for sending me a copy of the book to review through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.


About the Author:





Born and raised in north of Boston, Terri DuLong now resides with her husband, two dogs, and three cats on an island off the west coast of Florida. A retired Registered Nurse, she began her writing career as a contributing writer for Bonjour Paris, where she shared her travel experiences to France in over forty articles with a fictional canine narrator. Terri's love of knitting provides quiet time to develop her characters and plots for her future novels.








Read the first chapter of Spinning Forward, HERE.

Check out Terri Dulong's website, HERE.



5 comments:

  1. I do love women's fiction and I do love to read about knitting, even though I can't knit, so this sounds good to me.

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  2. Terrific review. This book is going on my list. Thanks, Bonnie!

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  3. Hi Bonnie! I have this book on my to read mountain(s)! Thanks for the great review!

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  4. Yep, I truly want to read this one!!!!

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  5. Women's fiction centered around knitting always seems to grab my attention! I've been crocheting since I was a little kid and love the feeling of transformation as yarn passes through my hook. Sounds like a book I'd enjoy!

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