Sherri Rifkin

I am a picky reader. I am especially picky about my contemporary romance reads. Although some dislike the term "chick lit", to me it is a badge of honor! I have been recently bemoaning the apparent demise of the genre. Well, I am thrilled to report that LOVEHAMPTON is literally making me eat my words!
This debut novel, written by Sherri Rifkin has brought back all that is wonderful about a well written contemporary romance.

Our main character Tori (or it is Miller?) has led the life of a show more recluse for the last two years, thanks to her former boyfriend. Well, her friends aren't going to take it anymore and practically force her to take part in a house sharing program in the Hamptons and we get to along for the ride.
I absolutely adored the detailed scenes of the socialite parties, the beautiful clothes and the even more wild relationships and hook-ups (although these were all described with surprisingly little sexual content) - which tells me that the author understands that, for most of us, reading these books is really about romance and love (okay and maybe a little bit about the shoes and the clothes!!!).

Although there is alot going on (there are quite a few characters to keep track of), Rifkin somehow manages to make us care about each and every character - although I have to admit it was more of a stretch for me to care about Leigh!

However, throughout the good times, the partying and the in-fighting (you knew there had to be some right?') - the author never forgets about Tori - and the fact that this character is a smart, hurt and vulnerable person.

Although, at times, I have to admit that I wanted to scream at her to 'get tougher' and to 'stop letting other people tell you what to do', it is obvious, by the end of the story, that the author had a very definite arc planned for her. I thouroughly enjoyed watching Tori learn her lessons the hard way and through it all still held on to her empathy, warmth and hope!

I loved, loved, loved this book. I can't wait for the second book by this author. show less

Tori (aka “Miller” to her Hampton housemates) is waking up after a two-year depression caused by the breakup with her boyfriend. With the help of her best friends, Tori is made over, has started her own business, and thrown into a house share with strangers in the Hamptons. As the summer progresses, Tori comes out of her shell and begins dating, she can’t help but wonder if “this new Tori” is the woman she truly wants to be.

LoveHampton is a perfect way to spend a lazy summer show more afternoon. Readers immediately connect to Tori as she struggles to move forward with her life. Yes, at times, she doesn’t make the best decisions, however when she falls, she’s able to pick herself back up. Readers will cheer her on as she tries to navigate her way through life and continue to “drive her bus” despite where the road may lead her.

Although, her love choice is obvious, Tori cannot see it until it’s almost too late. I didn’t understand why she was with George (he didn’t appear to be what she wanted in a boyfriend) and at times I was frustrated with how he treated her and that she allowed him to do so.

The secondary characters added depth to the storyline. There’s Alice, Tori’s married best friend, who only wants the best for her; Jimmy and Jerry, her employees and relationship advisors; Cassie, one of her housemates, who just may not be as perfect as she appears; Leah, the control-freak and the one Tori needs to watch out for; and finally Andrew, Michael and Jackson, the three male roommates.

All in all, I enjoyed reading LoveHampton. My only regret? It has been sitting on my bookshelf for over a year. I wish I had read it sooner. show less

I enjoyed reading about Tori's adventures and missteps. At times, I was a little annoyed (i.e. the way I felt about Chasing Harry Winston), but I did like the drama the other characters added (including serious girl rivalry between Leah and Tori - which was a little predictable). This was a good book about friendship, relationships and getting to know yourself and limits (and limitations).

This is a book that any female who’s been through a bad break up will related to. It’s be categorized as a beach read, but I think it’s a bit more serious than that. Tori, through her break up that sent her on a two year depression that ends with a television transformation and summer weekends in the Hamptons, learns who she really is and in the end, finds love again.

My only complaint, I was halfway through the book before it became a page turner. The first half wasn’t dry enough to show more put the book down permanently, but I couldn’t sit for long periods and read it either. After the midway mark, shortly before George had his Mr. Happy/Mr. Sad moment, the book picked up. That’s when I couldn’t put it down and stayed up late to finish.

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