Friends & Pho

Heather!

I know this comment has been a long time coming and I'd like to be able to offer a deep critique, some useful constructive advice as I normally do. But that's not the reason why it's taken so long.

Okay so there was Christmas...

The other reason, though, is that I'm really struggling to find anything technically wrong with it. No wonder this was shortlisted for an award! (or is that maybe BECAUSE this was shortlisted for an award?)

Anyway, of all the books I've read on here, it's fair to say this is probably the one that has the most potential to just go out on a shelf. True, women's fiction is the thing HC are looking for and this is certainly women's fiction. So that can only work in your favour (and against all the rest of us).

So we're in Vietnam and probably the biggest draw is the little cultural differences you point out, almost making this like a travel book. I see from your profile that you've been out there and essentially lived the character you write about, so I'll assume all of this is true. That people would hold a renovation ceremony for a stadium that hadn't been renovated. That there would actually be a market for photocopying books to sell by the side of the road.

The dialogue blends seemlessly with the narrative, "real but not TOO real" as I believe the preferred term is. Paragraphs are quite long but consistently so, meaning the book has a slow pace but far from erratic.

No dreaded buts. No dreaded thats.

Granted, the genre is right up there with offworld science fiction in terms of being hard for me to relate too. I wouldn't know that a tea bag with ginger would sting your eyes. I wouldn't even think not to try. And it's so CULTURED. I almost feel like I'm not worthy of reading it. Is this who you are? I'm almost not worthy of talking to you either!

I've shelved you already, as you know, and I would love to offer up something more useful that this meander but there's nothing to say. It appears to be a spotless piece!

Chris

PS Also this is comment 200! Woot!

Heather, this is so authentic, I kept forgetting that it's a novel. It could pass as non fiction easily - and I mean that as a compliment. Partly, it's the detail, the exploration of a seemingly much-misunderstood country, and I reckon that the line you've taken - the (fictional) experiences of a young Australian woman whose work offers her insights into the politics, economics and media of Vietnam, while she also gets to know Saigon at street level - all this allows you to serve up terrific dollops of Vietnamese life, humour and attitude. It struck me as clear-eyed, never unduly dismissive or mocking, and about as good a travel guide as I ever came across.

I found the attitudes expressed by the Vietnamese fascinating, and their take on the war was revealing. The British abroad are a constant source of comedy, combined with a certain disgust (my fellow Brits can be awful overseas - as they can be at home, too), but they so far seem to occupy very little of the foreground (thankfully), while Olivia finds her feet in Saigon. You handle the myriad confusions of being in an extraordinary, exotic, rapidly developing foreign land with great skill. I really admire the way you keep it fresh and funny without stooping to taking the mickey out of the locals. That takes great balance and poise, and both the humour and the horror come through without any unnecessary sense of condescension or judgement.

Loved the food, the vivacity of Vinh, the down-to-earth Lily, the maid, the oafish Shaolin, the bemused ex-pats learning to deal with Vietnamese customs (like sleeping on your office floor - why can't that happen here?), and the revelation of the ex-patriate community's sexual proclivities did bring a smile to my face.

Looking below at Jason's comment, I would agree that this does seem to have a wider appeal than straight 'chick-lit'. In real life, I wouldn't touch 'chick-lit' with a twenty-foot pole. On Authonomy, I'll read it, but always in the knowledge that it isn't my field. But this, I loved. I felt like I was learning something all the time, and I enjoyed following Olivia around as she encountered each new experience. I'd class this as 'lit', and I'm very happy to back it. It's a quality read, which lures you in, entertains and enlightens, and gives the reader a real sense of the place.

Excellent.

Simon

Heather,
I've read through chapter ten. In a line: you've achieved a heartfelt and witty travel novel, rich with intimate descriptions and beautiful observations of Southeast Asia's chaos and order.

Olivia is an innocent, caring, and attractive protagonist, one that your readers should have no trouble relating to, and wanting to spend time with on a rainy weekend, or a sunny day at Bondi. You expose exotic locations from Vietnam to Cambodia, to Hong Kong with a knowing and precise pen; recreating the scents, the foods, and the dizzying streets of Saigon.

I loved the Australian dialect, words like: skerrick, cod's wash, and pashed. All brilliant. Though, I think some of the French characters (Eve, Pierre) could use un peu plus français. And, at times, characters do tend to land on the page rather abruptly. The manuscript could use a little tightening, here and there. But such things are easily fixable. The most important thing -- you've written a compelling story (and left us with a good deal of intrigue at the end of Chapter 10).

While you've categorized Friends and Pho as "chick-lit", I believe the novel has potential for a much wider audience (not that calling a book one thing should necessarily preclude anyone from enjoying it).

Cheers,
Jason

Hello Heather,
Just to say sorry I barged into your thread this morning! But having said that, I've only been really going onto the forum for the last week (in part for obvious reasons, but also because I have reading time, and up to now books have been passed my way by word of mouth!) Your book is way out of what would have been my comfort zone a couple of months ago, but I've widened my tastes a great deal since authonomy, because there are so many top examples of every genre here! So, if someone asks to be read, I read first and ask genre questions after :-)
I started to have a read of Friends and Pho, intending to come back later, and found myself at the end of chapter 3 before i realised it! This isn't chicklit/semibiography or travel as i envisaged it. Your settings are superb, and the character of Olivia is about the most well drawn and interesting I have come across in my chicklit experience. Technically, the writing was, I felt, as near perfect as it could be, and had no long exhalations (the kind of passages that make me want to sigh and reach for the teapot!)
I think you have grounded whatever prejudices I had about this type of book, and I would honestly like to see it published, if only for the wonderful locations and the sharp wit!
I am putting this on my bookself. Of course, I'd love it if you took a look at Tyranny (the most overlooked book in the top 5 I think, but that's my fault as I have tried not to plug it too much!) But please don't feel obligated - what i have written above is my honest opinion - and I'm going to keep reading this one for sure :-)
Good luck and best wishes
Another Heather (aka Jo)

Hi Heather. Ever since coming to authonomy, what qualifies as my normal reading has changed and I've even started to feel like I know what good chick-lit is. Of course, I've only been here a month or two, so I could be wrong - but this feels to me like it qualifies. Witty, intelligent, entertaining and there are parts that are more lit than chick, with really well observed human behaviour and insights. Some of the paras in the first three chapters I read seemed a little on the lengthy side, but that may just be an effect of reading them on screen. Other than that I can't see that it needs much in the way of editing/trimming, and the exotic location lends this another dimension that seems to elevate it above 'standard chick-lit' - whatever that is :-) Certainly lends it added interest anyway. And I like the title. Going to pop this in a temporary bookshelf space as surely there's a market for this out there.

Heather,

I started reading your Opus and thought I would give you my cent and half:

There is a lot to like here.

First I like the shot gun start, You get down right to telling the story, from the start

I like the dialogue driven narrative, all told with a minimum of lingo, with a naturalistic language that is more expressive than descriptive

....for the purpose of language in a dialogue is not to describe....but to express

......and that you deliver

Finally I really like the Vietnamese setting of your narrative. Specifically the 'on the ground' perspective you provide by being specific in your placing, something that makes the reader realize: "this writer is writing from experience"


Some Minor/Minorest/Minormost points:

I would have liked a bit more of a sense of place at the beginning.

You are introducing the reader to a new world, one he has no mental pictures to frame himself around...

....so paint...

For you are loosing the opportunity to create atmosphere in a place that has plenty of it

the same thing with he hotel bar scene

And you can do it like you do with this wonderful paragraph: " Pictures of the Vietnamese......"

"wonderful to see him" "viscous hangover" Looked alarmed"
I would cut a bit on the emotional labeling
Why?
Because when the writer labels an emotion, the reader reads ...the label
when he describes...the reader feels

Let me know if that helps,

Overall, wonderful

david

Hi Heather. First, I want to thank you for backing A PLACE IN LIFE. It means a lot to me at this time.

I read your first chapter and believe you really have a story to tell. Having had some experience over there, I can say that your dialogue is true to life and represents the way the Vietnamese people think.

Of more concern to me is your narrative. Your book should be much higher in the ratings but I think the narrative part is holding you back. It's a little slow because, I think, you have used too many passive verbs. You have especially over used the word "had".

The only suggestion I can offer is for you to replace as much narrative with dialogue because your dialogue is crisp and moves the story along well. Drop as many "had's" and "that's" as you can because all the do is break thought and slow the story down.

Now, I'm not a trained writer, so you can disregard anything I say and that's okay. I do think you have a good start and with a little editing could have something great.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

I loved your story, fantastic writing.
I wish you the best
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

I like stories that take me away from my everyday world and transport me to someplace I've never been. This one does that well by taking me to the heart of Saigon. Olivia is a likable character to follow. Like the way you describe scenes: just enough info I know what things look like; not so much it bogs down the pace. Good story telling. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Very well written and a journey to a different place. So good!

Thoroughly enjoyed... I wish you the very best of luck. kind regards pinkcoffee 'In The Moment'

Very well written and extremely enjoyable! I love the clash with the cultures and you've got some great characters! Glad I came across this today! Loved it.

Missy

Awesome cover. Will read and give a comment sooner. Backed

FRIENDS AND PHO:

Heather,

Gorgeous cover, which somehow sets the tone for this well written chicklit romance. After your varied and exciting career so far, I'm not surprised that this novel emcompasses such a wide spectrum of experiences, and such a wealth of settings and characters.

I loved every minute of what I read, and wish you all the best in your path to publication.

Backed, with pleasure.

Sheila (Pinpoint)

Heather, your first chapter is professionally written and rather enjoyable. I liked the true-to-life dialogue. Great work.

Sincerely backed.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Backed with pleasure, Sana x

Elvis Cong? My knowledge is incomplete regarding the entertainer. I wanted to read a physical, picture-like description including trying to imagine the sounds produced during entertainment. The "meld" of cultures, or non-meld to be more exact was wonderful. Backed Chuck

Excellent, funny title, and brilliant setting. "Newly hip Saigon," indeed! A great and entertaining read! Backed with pleasure!!!

This is an interesting glimpse into Vietnamese thinking. I especially like fat Shaolin. Sounds like a PR person's worst nightmare.

I like Lily too. She sees it all clearly. Vinh the charming mad driver. And Phuong! What a manipulator.

If I hadn't already backed it, this would have got my vote. Fabulous.

I like this book. Everything from the title on down. I like the way the Vietnamese characters don't take a back seat to the Adventures of Western People. Chick Lit + Travel turns out to be a great combo.

So well written - great story too.

Backed

Kev

I generally hate chick-lit and refuse to have anything to do with it apart to check it out occasionally for the fun of the yuk factor. You know - 'it's so bad that it's good'?
Not my reaction this time. This is much much better than that.
I far prefer it to the current top of the pops in CL. I'll back you asap. Barry (little Krisna and the Bihar Boys)

Great writing. Clear and precise. Enjoyed the first couple of chaps very much, and thought your characterisatin excellent.

BACKED

This is a very funny and enjoyable book, which also has considerable depth. It's a pleasure to read about the new Saigon, to attend launch parties and company PR dinners, but it's also fascinating to visit the markets and museum, to ride pillion through the city streets, to hear about the dozen employees who take mats into the boss's comfortable, air-conditioned office every day at siesta time, and sleep there peacefully on the floor for an hour. You give us so much attractive, interesting detail, and bring your settings as well as your characters to life. And then there's the other side of things, the woman with the screaming baby, the war veteran with no legs, the relics of war in the museums. Vinh is a memorable character, combining both wit and depth, revealing so much in his own personality about his country. Olivia is someone easy to believe in and relate to. Her life at once becomes something we want to know more about, and which we hope will have a happy ending. Lily is a feisty, funny, smart lady. And that's just the start of the list. This is a great book. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

I selected your manuscript to read from its intriguing premise and found it to be both witty and engaging. Nicely done. Backed. Clare (Second Lives)

Hi Heather! I prefer bun bo hue, but pho isn't bad ;) I am kinda biased, since I'm from Hue, but whatever. I love how you explore Viet culture, and showcase it so well--Asian mothers are definitely a force of nature. And of course, the romance adds all the fun to your story, but it's not typical chick-lit ;) I do think the beginning is slow, but people have already mentioned that, so I won't annoy you about it. Backed! Yay!

Cheesecake

I liked the pitch and although its not my usual type of genre to read i found the characters were well developed, the story line interesting and the pace of the book good. Well done, backed
Chris (inside Out)

Hi Heather,
I'm really happy I came across your book. The writing here is muscular, confident, and efficient. Your characterizations are immediately vivid. Best of all, your familiarity with a world foreign to most English-speaking readers creates an easy exoticism. Too often novels are marred by a pervasive stench of "research." My engagement with the narrative was never impeded by the fact that I was learning about a different culture. Seamlessly integrated. Shelved. Great job and good luck!
Geoff (Fall)

I like your premise-- it appears well developed and more wide-ranging in its thematic material than most "chick lit". Your prose is crisp and easily readable.

You have crafted this well.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it from the pitch but quickly found your voice both engaging and delightful. I found the first chapter a little long to be honest, but that is only my personal opinion.
It was the conversation with Shaolin at the beginning that tugged me into this fine story that you have developed.
His foot stomping, his demanding of a present. I could almost feel Olivia's disgust with him.
Not to mention the description of him eating everything in sight.
This did not disappoint me. Actually it did the opposite as I wasn't sure what to excpect it thrilled me.
Backed-T.L Tyson-Seeking Eleanor

Just being that your MC's are Aussies would have been enough for me but combine that with them living in vietnam, creating a picture of the culture and a great story, you sold me...

Oh and some romance but that goes without saying :-)

Backed

Jo xx

Spoilt

This is simply wonderful. Well written, superbly woven story. Extraordinary premise, characters and story. Love it! And shelved of course.

Heather,
While reading through the press conference in ch1 I was taken back to my wife dealing with similar issues while organizing press events. Of course she didn't have to deal with the cross cultural conflicts.
So I fell right into this story, and while I was inside I felt comfortable being there.
You do an excellent job of making the reader feel like they are hoveriong over Olivia's haed watching the action close up.

One very small suggestion in ch1,
The news paper had a readership of five ancient government officials, all [of] whom had lost their grip...

Excellent work, on my shelf.
MickR - The Nightcrawler

This has politics, foreign culture, romance... you name it, it's got it! These genres combined would, at first thought, lead to a colossal mess, a book with no identity, clamouring for attention, but it doesn't on closer inspection, what we have here is a book that mimics real life. Real life has a dollop of everything in it, and that's what makes it, and this book, so colourful, so three dimensional, so interesting and so compelling. You have crafted your prose like a seasoned professional, I couldn't see a word I would take out or a word I would add. The scenes are set with a minimum of fuss, without creating any grey areas in the readers mind. The characters spring to life with the dialogue that you feed them, each one vying for my attention fr their own individual personalities. This, is an accomplished book.

Andrew

Not a lot I can add to the already superb comments! This really is good Heather and I am only too pleased to back it!
Simon

I can see why publishers see this has potential. I think you've hit on a new trend in the market that looks at culture clash from a friendship and romantic perspective. If only diversity lead to understanding, rather than striff - what a wonderful world it would be.

Best of luck with this. On my shelf.

I grew up in South East Asia so I found this to be a great treat to read. You have it all down just perfectly.
Well done,
Barbara

Friends and Pho [clever title!] reads extremely well, and it seems to me that it has already been edited to within an inch of its life [in the best way], leaving me little to comment on other than to admire its polish and back it. Well done.

Hey, Heather. Stumbled on your book while perusing the titles. Your pitch got me. I didn't read far enough to get into the real meat of the story - just 3 chapters and skimmed further in to see how it was going. Obviously, you've done your homework about the times and places (or maybe your were there...hehe), as everything seems real and believable. Your characters are interesting and well defined. The story is developing well, and your writing is excellent. I’ve read some of the other comments and see that, by and large, everyone agrees with me. I think the book deserves attention. On my shelf. Best of luck with it.

John Harold McCoy - Bramwell Valley

Hi Heather
This is something I normally wouldn't read, but it is enthralling, especially coming from places I've never been, and doing things I've never done. I have a couple of small things, just remember, my opionion only.
The lead was very slow. I had a hard time at first getting drawn in. I'm not big on questions starting a story. The scenes are remarkable, you set them up well. I would have liked to have seen more showing and less telling. Such as; he was the fattest man I'd ever seen," or something like that. Maybe describe how the rolls of fat slide from his next...etc. Just a thought.

I do like your dialoge a lot. This is a really great book and I'm sure will go far with it. I wish you the best
Oh, if you get a chance maybe you could read one of my books
Sunday at the Social Club
Orchid Island
Thanks so much
Judi Blaze

All the right stuff. Shelved.

Friends & Pho ... clever title!
Chapters 1 and 6
As always, please take my comments as ‘in my opinion’, for what it’s worth. Feel free to ignore anything I say as I am no expert.
Ch 1:
Nice irony of Shaolin saying ‘many, many of us starved’!
And the culture is so different from anything I’ve encountered; it’s fascinating and at the same time makes me cringe.
‘ .. slithering towards her ear.’ That is VERY effective imagery!
Lily kissed him on both cheeks and then said it was wonderful to see him. (She can’t do both at the same time!)
Oh, good to see Olivia telling Shaolin where to get off!
I’d start ‘On finding her at the bar .. ‘ as a new paragraph because the beginning of the paragraph deals with events long gone. Just imho, okay.
Bruno seemed to be considering bolting … rather than looked like he considered …
In direct speech, use commas before and after names … e.g. “C’mon, Olivia, you know … “ and also “Thanks, Bruno. We owe you one.”
She had last seen Thu … otherwise you might be using her name too frequently.
The Vietnamese WERE the great recyclers … rather than ‘happened to be’ which seems to be to be rather clunky.
Vinh is an appealing character; you portray him well.
* giggle * at the treatment of Ho .. ‘re-stuffed’ * laugh *
I like Vinh even more after his exchange with Olivia; he is so up-front with all his suggestions and observations.
Ch 6 …
Should the paragraph starting “Sure, what’s up?” be split into two – first it’s Olivia and then Lily speaking.
“No, he’s just being friendly,” said Olivia. “He saw my …. “ She finishes one sentence and starts another, hence the full stop.
The Shrieking Cats! Loved that.
‘Scott gave her the thumbs up … ‘ I think you can probably phrase this paragraph better; it seemed a bit odd to me. Time-wise, this chapter jumps around a bit, too. You might want to look at double spaces between some of the paragraphs. But I’m liking Olivia more and more.
“Well, you would know that … “ I inserted this comma.
“Sure, I understand … “ Um, you say Scott breaks ‘the tense silence’ but it seems he responds almost immediately. You might want to look carefully at showing there IS a tense silence here.
Okay, like most chick-lit, this will never be great Literature, but the two chapters I read were enjoyable and I found the clash of cultures interesting.
There were nit picks in this comment, but I do hope they will be helpful.
Regards and best wishes

Hi Heather, I had a sneaking suspicion I'd like your book even before I started reading it. It's not chick lit, at least not as I understand it. The observations and descriptions of life in Vietnam and Cambodia are far too evocative and "real" for that. Written with the eye of both a journo and traveller. The traffic chaos and motorcycle remind me so much of Indian cities - endemic in most of South Asia - I could picture it all. I do hope it gets published, it deserves to and I'd buy it so keep in touch and let me know if you strike lucky, won't you.
Does this exchange make us a mutual fan club? :-)
take care
Ali

Hey Heather,

I loved you book – well written and smooth. Like all of our works, it needs some minor polishing but that should come out in the editing wash.

Your great knowledge of Vietnam is obvious. Although I have never been to Vietnam, I felt like I was right there with Olivia and the rest.

Heather, I would have preferred to see a more dramatic opening and especially the opening sentence. The opening chapter would also benefit from faster action.

Also some of your paragraphs could be broken up into more manageable bits, especially when they are speech by a character.

You are obviously a very talented writer and I suspect that there’s a lot more interesting stuff to come.

I wish you all the best with your writing.

George

Hi Heather!

Now this is a book I would buy. I'm a PR exec, so obviously would connect, but also love to curl up with a good romantic/chick-lit book. Indulge me in a little frivolity!!!

Your writing is good, very polished. The introduction and development of each character is deftly handled - not forced. And your dialogue is very believable. I can tell from your pitch that this is going to get juicy... My only regret is that the whole thing isn't posted. (sigh) I guess I have to wait for it to hit the bookstores, because it surely will! Shelved.

Kim
Invisible Justice

Hi Heather

I saw a thread in the forum recommending your novel so i thought i'd check it out.

You start off with Olivia having a tense time in the business meeting. The narrative style is engaging and i loved the witty, humourous observations like '... the most vigour he'd shown since spotting the tower of prawns ...' and the laugh/cringe evoking comomile and ginger teabag on the eyes - ouch!

You weave contemporary references in - like the Berocca, and endear Olivia and her plight through comments that it's easy to relate to - like 'enough of "good enough"'. Your description of Vietnam gives a good sense of place and time, referencing cultural differences and also the unspoken ettiquette of the expait community.

Developmentally, if i was being critical i would say the pace seemed a little slow at times for the 'chick lit' genre.

Overall, a funny, entertaining read - so shelved :-)

Best wishes
Lorelli (The Man Whisperer)

Three things are very clear: 1) you know the PR business; 2) you know Saigon; and 3) you know how to write. And by that last one, I mean more than just put a subject, predicate and object together. You have strong characters, good dialogue, and set up conflict early in the story between Olivia and the ridiculous expectations of Nham Koo. Very well done. I like this book because it takes me into an new culture, but eases me into it in a fun way. You've got a winner here. Shelved.

I was in Saigon in 1997 (and have been there many times, both before and since) so I know the culture, the smells, the heat, and the people you describe very well. I also know the multi-national ex-pat community, and how they never really integrate with the locals. You've got this just right in every respect. It's a wondeful story, adorned with the beautiful images of Vietnam, and pulled along by very real and believable characters. I love it, and it's on my shelf. Best wishes, Tony.

Hi Heather - this is really entertaining stuff, and it is definitely Chicklit with a brain. It's witty, well-written and full of good characters! I visited Saigon in May this year so I thoroughly enjoyed this - even though I know little about the PR world Olivia is living in. happy to shelve and no nitpicks!

M&J
'GRAEMOR' (Please take a look if you have time....)

Dear Heather, This is the first book I’ve read set “in the newly hip Saigon”; it’s also the first chick-lit novel I’ve found myself enjoying unreservedly. The idea, story, and characters are all as original and intriguing as the setting, and the writing is both delightfully playful and very skillful. It’s great fun to be in Olivia’s company, and her adventures, romantic and otherwise, are highly entertaining.

On my shelf. Maria, The Pharaoh’s Cat

FRIENDS AND PHO - Heather, this is well-written and authentic in its dialog and descriptions. The characters and events are interesting and believable.. good luck in getting published.. evan (oaklane woods)

Oh my God....I will never ever EVER moan about a PR again, I promise. Blushes as tweeted about one just this morning.... ;)
This is just delicious. I am there in that ghastly press launch, with the ghastly people squealing for their 'presents' (not so different from the UK really, just a little more upfront perhaps!). Just cringing at her being torn off a strip and laughing at the maid nicking her blouses...
I can't find anything not to like here, I really can't. It is way more than chicklit - it has true depth and surefooted socio-political awareness coupled with a lovely lightness of touch and subtle humour.
Onto my shelf as fast as I can.....(and heck, I loved that particular shelf!). I'm tempted to read on but shall resist - once again, this is one I'd MUCH rather read in its lovely paper form.
Jane

Friends and Pho---
Heather,

I came across your book and thought I’d have a look. :-)
I take notes as I read and usually there are lots, but not in your case. I have little to suggest. This was a wonderful read, it flowed so well and really put me in the scenes.
Things I liked…

“Fix it!” --- I love it.. my boss tells me this all the time.

Vietnamese enclave in Orange County CA- Ahh I know it well. My parents had a business they ran three blocks from there. Drove through Garden Grove daily - which became the overflow to little Vietnam.

“I like olives very much” --- Nice…

Wonderful writing by a very talented woman. I wish you all the best with this.
Happy to give this a boost…and maybe a few will follow in my steps.
On my shelf, for a spin.
Good luck.
~Krista Darrach
--Riley’s Gift

Hi Heather,
When I first read your pitch, I am not sure why, but I thought of "South Pacific" and had in my mind visuals of that exotic setting, with soldiers' responsibilities, romance and a bit of local culture all coming through loud and clear. There was great expectation to start with because of this subconscious connection I had made, and your writing did not disappoint at all. I am drawn to books, films and stories of all sorts set in unfamiliar locations as I find this exciting and enlightening. This peek into Vietnamese life and culture is insightful, entertaining, intelligent. Olivia is a memorable MC. I back this without any hesitation.
Best wishes,
Zan

Heather,

This is woman's fiction with a difference! It has much more depth than one usually expects from a 'chick lit' novel.

Olivia is a wonderful character, so lovely and endearing - one which readers will enjoy spending time with. Shes likable, and that's always good with a protagonist. I really like the setting, one I'm quite unfamiliar with but your prose is strong and descriptions beautiful, everything is quite visual. I laughed out loud at times, also love how you convey the dialect with the dialogue - I cannot for the life of me accomplish this! :)

Very enjoyable read, engaging, compelling & good relationships. An appealing travel novel!

Giving this a spin on my shelf to help your rank, best of luck with it!

Melanie ~LORE~