This was an interesting novel about mother and child relationships and how easy it is to be misunderstood. As a mother you spend so much time seeing them grow from this little baby who already has their own personality and who you have helped develop into a young person that you forget they have become independent of you and no longer need you in the same way. That is what happens to Debra she's done such a good job instilling independence she doesn't need to worry about her daughter. Describing the relationships between the characters is where Ms. Bridgeton excels. I felt much more of a connection to Debra then to Jordyn mostly because there was more description of feeling from Debra. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Bridgeton. ( )

The Undiscovered Novelist has two interwoven storylines: it is about a young woman's journey as an undiscovered novelist to get her first novel published; and the dynamic of the estranged mother-daughter relationship that the young woman has with her mother.

Jordyn Simmons is a twenty-seven year old paralegal who dreams of becoming a bestselling novelist. Two years ago Jordyn, her attorney boyfriend Tyler, and their little boy Elijah, relocated from New York to Tampa, Florida, to open a new law office for the law firm they both worked for. The night before they moved, Jordyn and her mother Debra, who have always had a rocky relationship, get into a heated fight about Jordyn and Tyler's unmarried status and her decision to move to Florida with Tyler. Debra has never liked Tyler because he isn't Jewish, and she thought that they had rushed into a relationship. The heated fight turns their complicated mother-daughter relationship into a two year estrangement via the silent treatment, and where both vacillate over who should take the first step at reconciling their relationship. After two years of living in Florida taking care of her family and working full-time as a paralegal, Jordyn completes her manuscript and the journey to become a published novelist begins. Will Jordyn's first novel be published, or will she remain an undiscovered novelist with a dream of making the bestseller list? Will Jordyn and Debra take the first step to reconcile their mother-daughter relationship, or will they continue to silently mourn the loss of their relationship?

The Undiscovered Novelist is a lighthearted and intriguing novella about a young woman's journey to become a published novelist, while also looking at the dynamic of the estranged mother-daughter relationship that she has with her mother. The story's setting alternates between Tampa, Florida and New York, and is cleverly written in an alternating fashion between the first person narrative by Jordyn, and the third person perspective of Debra. The author introduces the reader to Jordyn and Debra, their individual stories and their perspectives on their relationship. I found the alternating choices in narration to be intriguing, but I must admit that it did take me a little bit of time to switch gears as the chapters changed from first to third person narrative, but with that being said, I did enjoy following along on Jordyn and Debra's journey.

Rich in detail and descriptions, the author provides a fascinating look into the reality of how tough it is for a writer to break into the publishing industry. Obviously providing an insider's look into becoming a published novelist based on her own experience, I really loved how the author shares that rough road with her readers, it makes you appreciate even more the books that they create for our enjoyment. I also loved reading about the realistic dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship, I sure could relate to the ups and downs of this relationship! I think the author does a wonderful job of weaving both plots together into an engaging journey that culminates in a satisfying conclusion.

The author has created a cast of characters who are realistic, complex and engaging individuals that the readers can easily relate to. I really could relate to both Jordyn and Debra, I found their mother-daughter relationship to be realistic, who hasn't had the ups and downs that come along with being in that type of relationship? I could also relate to their individual struggles and how they dealt with them. The supporting cast of characters: Tyler (Jordyn's boyfriend), Naomi (Jordyn's fraternal twin sister), Maxine Cohen (agent), Cameron Miller (freelance publicist), David Marcinletti (President / CEO of Kingston & Knox Publishing Company), and Kate Young (editor at Kingston & Knox), all had an engaging personality that added to the storyline, I loved how their interactions and dialogue with Jordyn and Debra made this story an even more entertaining and enjoyable read.

The Undiscovered Novelist is an enjoyable novella that is geared for the true book lover. If you want an engaging storyline that weaves the realistic journey of becoming a published novelist with the dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, than this enchanting little story is the one for you!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-undiscovered-novelist-by-s... ( )

"The Undiscovered Novelist" is a graceful, compassionate novel. The narration is well-developed and mature, gently moving between perspectives and locations. The novel is properly paced and compelling, with lovely details balancing vivid versus over-sharing *just so.* The characters are complex, robust, and lovable. The plot's "conflict" is believable and, what's more, universal. Bridgeton shows her readers the complexity and the consequences of each character's choices, and trusts her readers to evolve as the characters do. Impressively, she offers us a story without a villain. Her novel is in this way very true-to-life: no one is entirely good or bad or right or wrong. Everyone is doing the best that they can each day with their desires and responsibilities. Bridgeton's skillful narration bespeaks the confidence of writing what she knows about. At the end of the novel, I wanted more. I want to hear what happens next - and I've decided to read her other novel, "Next Year in Israel," as well. ( )

Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com...

The Undiscovered Novelist is a novella about a young woman named Jordyn. Jordyn is happily married with one child. This book is about her dream to publish her book and about her relationship with her mother. Both are fraught with struggles, perceived and real rejections, and days when she wants to give up. Both story lines come together into the ending of the novella.

As a short novella, this book is a very quick read. Jordyn is a likable character, and her struggles are things I could relate to. Debra, her mother, is also a likable character with struggles I could relate to. For this reason, the story engaged me and kept me reading.

Some of the plot elements seem to work out rather conveniently, but the relationships and emotions in the book seemed real. So, the likability of the characters and the genuineness of their emotions compensated for the convenient plot turns. Overall, a fun quick story. I look forward to reading more by the author.

*** Reviewed for LibraryThing Member Giveaway Program *** ( )

This was a great book. I found it very easy to read going back and forth between two estranged characters and their how their journeys collide. It really is uplifting and inspirational to see how Jordyn was determined and motivated as a writer even in a very discouraging industry. It truly reflected that once you surround yourself with a great support system you can overcome tremendous things. And it didn't end like the typical winner cliche which was wonderful! GREAT read and I can't wait to read her next one! ( )