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It was also really cool; Lisa Tucker came up with an amazingly interesting way to have the past meet the present without involving things like time machines or black holes (not that I have anything against either of those things in a book). And touching. There's something that's missing, some reason that I didn't love love LOVE it, but I can't seem to articulate exactly what that missing thing is. I feel like I use the words heartfelt and touching a lot when I am describing books, but really, that's what this book is. Heartfelt. The plot is right on, the characters are well-developed and absorbing, there is just the right amount of drama, and the writing style is easy to follow and to the point.I wouldn't go so far as to say that "Once Upon a Day" is riveting, but it is gripping and amusing, hooking the reader from chapter 1 and keeping them wanting more.This book is more than mediocre, more than good, but less than spectacular.
Charles ends up being a hero and poor Lucy the victim-again. I was hoping the novel would redeem itself in the end. The only reason I didn't give this one star is that it kept my interest wondering how it would all turn out. Charles was so controlling that I wondered if he had orchestrated the attack on Lucy himself. Miss Tucker is capable of writing a better book than this. It didn't.
The ending was unsatisfying and simplistic. The relationship between Stephen and Dorothea drew me in right away, until the sheltered Dorothea jumped in bed with him within a few days. After that, the plot is just muddled. How realistic is it to drive two characters to insanity, then to have everything turn on a dime, and all is forgiven.
I had no expectations and was very pleasantly surprised at how good it was. I just happened upon this book at the library. It made me laugh and cry, I couldn't put it down.
Dorathea is a remarkable character. Ms Tucker does this in a straightforward, non-judgemental prose that is both sweet, and at times, very funny. I would recommend this book to all my friends and family. I found the book completely engrossing. You must get past heartbreak and horror, innocence and shame, recriminations and regrets, all beautifully detailed, to get to the point of the narative: Even though we can never have complete control over every aspect of our lives, we are responsible for how we react to pain and tragedy. Her trust and unaffected mannor are precious.
.well worth the reading time. Unusual story, good character development - yes, a little "clichey" - but I really enjoyed it.
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