Review: The book is very organized and was very sure of its own identity even until the very end.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 22, 2014
There’s always a risk when it comes to falling in love with an author’s book.The big question is how on earth will their next story top it?Before I even opened Insipid, my expectations were really high. The gorgeous cover, the intriguing title, the captivating blurb and an interesting prologue that will make you crave for answers. Christine Brae’s previous books have been on top of my list for 2013 great reads, but could she do it again?"Closing Doors. Is that what my life has been about? Is that why I am now doing the complete opposite? Opening them. Rebelling against life's best plaid plans? Living with the need to break free? But what is it that I'm running away from? What am I searching for?"And for the 3rd time around, Christine Brae did not disappoint. Insipid has all the elements I like about her books. The romance, the challenging friendships and the integration of family life. The importance of these situations were balanced so nicely with delightful details and endings you wouldn’t have completely expected. The book is very organized and was very sure of its own identity even until the very end.Insipid is a great story of two people who need and seek isolation so that they may heal their old wounds but serendipitously end up falling love with each other. I really rooted for these two as I warmed up to both of them. It is beautiful!This story starts out with a great deal of sadness. Two young lovers looking forward to the rest of their lives crash and burn due to social status and differences. Jade, with a very sheltered life, and Chris struggling to have a successful career in basketball but never really had the chance to fulfill it. There are many flashbacks to the young couple’s fresh and vibrant life together which intermixed very well with the kind of life they had after the fall out. Much to my surprise and delight, there is a fascinating and intriguing mystery that kind of turns the story upside-down.Trying to move on with her bitter past, Jade, tries to live a normal life. Dedicating most of her time to her career, where she met the man who unexpectedly brought back the color in her life, Lucas.Despite of what he has become, Lucas did some stupid things in the past when the last girl almost broke him in more ways than one. But something happens that brings about an enormous change in his life. Lucas is determined to get closer to Jade, though the path to get there ain’t easy, he has the patience and strong will to stick it out. Maybe it’s the fact that he finds Jade so mysterious. Maybe because he sees her as someone so strong yet so breakable. Maybe because he feels that Jade needs him, and Lucas needs to be needed. Whatever it is, I loved watching their romance develop slowly.Insipid is a very quiet, gentle story that perfectly reflects not only Lucas and Jade’s characters but their slow struggle back toward life. There are many unforeseen obstacles with which they have to deal with, but in the end, truth and love prevail. It’s about hope and forgiveness. A loving story that truly allows two people who have been shattered for somewhat different reasons to heal, to blend, and to meld beautifully. Fantastic!"The past. Sometimes, we get so hung up about it that it prevents us from looking ahead.Let the past go. Step forward no matter how much more comfortable you are with your past.Trust in your heart because it places its trust in you."If you like to read books with an emotional, meaningful story, with lots of character growth, twists and turns, and important life lessons, then give this one a go!Thanks to Ms. Brae for letting me be part of Lucas and Jade's journey. I am eagerly looking forward to read and experience your next book. 4 stars