Review: Engaging, inspiring and uplifting. Fabulous read
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2013
When I started reading Christine Mazurk's `Passion's Race', it seemed that it was going to be another well-written chick-lit novel, with a central female character poised for upheaval and change, sidelined by what appeared a somewhat dysfunctional family, the `bestie' always there to offer advice and support, and a hunky male who you just knew was to become the `love interest' that would bind one and all together.  Despite this, I enjoyed Mazurk's style of writing, and easily found myself immersed in the plot.  Content, I sat reading for hours on end, poised to reach an ending I thought, though expected, would be nice, `warm and fuzzy'.However, it turned out I was wrong, with Mazurk's novel delivering so much more than I could have ever anticipated.  First of all, the characters are built with such depth, honesty and realism it's hard to put the book down.  You find yourself relating to more than just a few, as you share in both their hardships and their joys.  Secondly, just when you think the author's tying loose ends and preparing to draw the story to a close, a twist you never saw coming up and changes everything, bringing a new dimension, power and quality to what is really a story of human hope, love and empathy.If you're not in the slightest athletic, don't let the `ironman' focus turn you off reading this great soul-inspiring story, for it is so much more than just an account of one girl's dream to win pro.  This is a story I believe holds appeal for all of us, as the issues encountered have touched us all in one way or another, at some time or another, and this is the secret of its appeal.Well done, Mazurk!  I'm truly impressed this is a debut novel.  Written like a true pro!