Reviews

Hidden Talents by Erica James

debbieg's review against another edition

3.0

Erica James has definitely earned a place now in my "comfort reading" category. Once again, I didn't like this one quite as much as the first one I read (Love and Devotion), but I liked it better than Tell it to the Skies. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if that were possible. As a writing instructor, I liked the "writing group" frame. I also enjoyed the characters and the family relationships. There's a niceness about these that contributes to my labelling her as "comfort" reading. The only character that faltered, I thought, was the guy that everyone's had in their writing class, the self-important, aspergers spectrum male who won't shut up and is excessively tiresome. I felt that she dropped the ball on making him completely believable and sympathetic or giving us real insight into what makes him tick. Cannot really say more without spoilers, but I thought she took the easy way out. All in all, though, this was a pleasant and engaging read.

sbl661's review

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.75

krisz's review

4.0

I realised I love stories where there are several protagonists. Here we get three heroines of different age: a teen, a forty-something and a lady in her seventies, as well as a man of 35. There are other characters who are also shown in a bit more detail, and I enjoyed reading all of their parts.
The book flows slowly, so it was a good choice for me to immerse in an other universe.
I especially liked the impossibility of Jack's situation: it is so truly depicted how he still loves his wife and his old-time friend who cheated on him, and how he adores his daughters. It was good to see that the author doesn't think she can solve such a difficult situation.

pixieauthoress's review

4.0

Admittedly, a bit fluffy and maybe not something I'd have chosen to read if my mother hadn't recommended it to me. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were all unique and full of quirks that made them appealing and they made me want to care about what happened to their individual sub-plots. Plus, it was centered around writing, which made me especially interested. I liked that it wasn't predictable, and although it didn't blow my mind, it was an easy and enjoyable read. 7/10

bookwormbev17's review

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5