Title: A Shocking Surprise
Author: Bonnie Jampol
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781543431131
Pages: 136
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel
Pacific Book Review
A Shocking Surprise finds Abby and Devin preparing for their merry wedding day. In what hopes to be a joyous occasion turns out to be an event riddled with revelations and secrets as two families join together. The entire premise revolves around the wedding, with every plot point leading up to the potential “I do’s.” Though as the drama unfolds it leaves the reader to wonder if there will even be a wedding. The families are at the heart of this story, as Abby and Devin both have large families. With a lots of younger siblings vocalizing their issues with the wedding in almost conceited attitudes, going as far as two of Abby’s brothers refusing to even attend.
The sibling’s sort of blend together with so many of them, but the focus goes to each of them at one time or another. A few stand out with their opinions, gaining more time in the spotlight as Abby is trying to get ready for her wedding. The family drama is easy to connect to, because the children are slowly understanding what their new relationships with their respective siblings are morphing towards. The transition for the younger siblings is a sweet subplot as they learn they aren’t losing family, but simply gaining a bigger one.
There is light and subtle suspense as Abby has a strange feeling something is about to happen, which seems to mysteriously come to pass as a stranger tries repeatedly to contact her, determined to speak with her before the wedding. The build up is mainly around what Charles wants, with several theories presented throughout from what if he’s out to ruin the wedding to him being dangerous. It’s not until the end the truth is revealed. Her strange feeling adds a slightly sinister touch, a little chilling, as you don’t know what will actually happen, but as the plot goes on an emotional journey, the stakes are never raised too high.
There’s a lot of heart, and is light on the romance, but big on love. The romance between Devin and Abby is in the background as their family entanglements and drama takes the spotlight away from their wedding day. Their love is what carries the characters throughout and brings them together, but it mainly focuses on her relationship with Devin’s sisters and her mother and Devin’s relationship with her brothers.
A Shocking Surprise wraps up as Bonnie Jampol goes for a happy ending, resolving the drama and the secrets with indeed a surprising turn. Despite the drama between family members, A Shocking Surprise is a page-turning feel good read with heart and family drama which orbits the past while providing the foundation for new beginnings.
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