Susan Breen (1) (1956–)

Okay, full disclosure. I thought the book looked interesting, but I ended up buying it because of the bargain price. I ended up loving it because it's just damn good writing and a real 'feel good' kinda story. Breen's premise here is pretty straightforward: a single woman, Arabella (named for a Georgette Heyer heroine) Hicks, making a living by teaching adult ed classes in writing, specifically how to write fiction. At the same time she's saddened by the gradual decline of her mother, who is show more in a nursing home and with whom she's always had a rather prickly relationship. And she's been trying to finish a novel for seven years and has suffered a few failed relationships too. She's lonely and unhappy. But it's the pattern of the story that makes this book different, and places it several cuts above the normal run-of-the-mill 'chick lit' stuff. She divides her story up into the weeks of when the class meets. And after each Wednesday class she goes to visit her mom. You meet and get to know her eleven students and you can even try the weekly assignments and exercises she assigns. It's all in here, and they are useful realistic assignments too. Breen takes her troubled protagonist's sensible advice about writing fiction, and by God it works! That's why this is such a good book. Several unique characters in the class, and a proud and indomitable character in Vera, the mother, make it hard to put this book down. And oh yeah, there is a love story here too. Arabella falls for one of her students, despite his being thrice divorced and nearly too good-looking to be true - and about 15 years older than she. Somehow though he comes across as a very sympathetic character - a nice guy, ya know? And I'm an 'older man' myself, so I often find myself rooting for the old guys. Strangely, the author named this guy Chuck Jones. An innocuous enough sounding name, I suppose. Unless you know that Chuck Jones is the creator of Bugs Bunny, which I had a hard time getting out of my head as I was reading this. I mean, "What's up, Doc?" Did she mean something by this? Because there is a bunny in the story. Was I missing some deep symbolism here? ... Naahh! I don't think so. Sometimes a name is just a name, right?

My wife read this book first, several weeks ago, and she'd been urging me to read it ever since. I'm glad I did. I am a guy, but I will admit to enjoying the occasional Elizabeth Berg or LaVyrle Spencer book. So does that make me less of a 'real man' or just a sensitive guy in touch with his feminine side. Aah, who the helll cares. This is a great read. Try it; if you've ever been in love, or had 'issues' with a parent - or even wanted to try writing some fiction - you'll like THE FICTION CLASS. I guarantee it. This Susan Breen person knows what she's doing. She's a writer! show less

What I loved most about this book was that all along the way I'd have these little moments where Ms. Breen revealed just the right information at the right time that illuminated another facet of Arabella's relationship with her mother. As I got to know Arabella, I understood better the choices she makes and also the ways in which she comes to terms with her mother and the history they shared. This novel has funny moments and there is a clever twist on the "receipe-novel" genre but instead of show more recipes, each chapter ends with a writing assignment for all us aspiring writers out here. show less

This was a quick read and the 2nd in the Maggie Dove series. I struggled with Maggie's struggle with witches. It seemed a bit forced in spots. I loved how she was getting more independent and really taking ownership of being a detective. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute little cozy mystery. It is the first in a new series, so it should be interesting to see where it goes. I enjoyed the character, Maggie. She has her flaws, and her grouchy days, but overall is a good hearted person. The mystery was pretty good, although the final reason for the murder took me by surprise. It seemed a little random. But the characters are great, and the series could grow into something great.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley.