Given the circumstances, perhaps it's not surprising that Hope Arden's disability never made it into the DSM: while she can interact with the world, from everyone else's perspective, it is always for the first time. As soon as people are distracted from her presence, they forget her, their minds conveniently substituting new Hope-less memories and explanations. And then Hope gets to meet them all over again. As she puts it:
First impressions-- my life is about making a good first impression. When one attempt fails, I will go away, and reinvent myself, and return to try again. Though first impressions may be the only thing I have, at least I get to practise until they're right.
Naturally, Hope's career and relationship options are somewhat limited. As she notes:
Things that are difficult, when the world forgets you:Things that are easy, when the world forgets you:
- Dating
- Getting a job
- Receiving consistent medical attention
- Getting a loan
- Certificated education
- Getting a reference
- Getting service at restaurants
- Assassination
- Theft
- Espionage
- Casual cruelty
- Angst-free one-night stands (w/condoms)
- Not tipping
Perhaps unsurprisingly, she ends up embracing a career as a thief, drifting through life, choosing score after score, often to settle some petty spite of her own. No matter how incompetent her heists, she never gets caught because all she needs to do is distract her captors for a few minutes to erase her presence. But then Hope encounters Perfection, and her unmemorable life is irrevocably changed.
Perfection: a brand new lifestyle app. Give it your schedule, your access, your health stats, your bank accounts, your total attention, and in return it will optimize your life, shaping a new perfect you. Touched by the tragedy of a woman who fails to satisfy Perfection, Hope finds herself set on a course to destroy it.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a book out of left field. As the names may have indicated, subtle the book is not, but it makes up for its directness in pure passion. I suspect that reader enjoyment will be heavily predicated on tolerance for pretty anvilicious "message" books. Plus, I had to love the gleeful mileage North got out of double entendres with Hope, Perfection, and more. I'm already a fan of Kate Griffin/Claire North, so perhaps unsurprisingly, I found North's heavily descriptive, almost stream-of-consciousness style utterly captivating. At moments, it's also just plain funny, particularly in the lists that Hope continually writes for herself.
For me, the book's major weakness was the characters. I never really felt connected to any of them, which may have been something of a blessing, as North is as casually brutal to them as she is to the sidekicks in the Matthew Swift series. Perhaps some of my sense of alienation came from Hope's condition. As one character says of her,
It's a peculiar thing, but I find emotion, when it comes to you, rather hard to engage with [...] Instead of feelings, I find with you there are only facts.
She is, naturally, a drifter, herself oddly disconnected from the world. Despite her many heists, she spends most of her time simply drifting, and more often reacts to situations with blind flailing rather than planning. As she puts it:
Having no one to define the limits of me, I have to define myself, otherwise I am nothing [...] I don't know what my destination is, but I keep on travelling, surrounded by other people's stories, absorbing them, and in their way, though they are not me, they become me. I am just… travelling.
This was clearest in her efforts to stop Perfection and Byron. What on earth was her plan? She disagreed with Byron and sought to stop her, but had no plan of her own except, apparently, blindly hoping for the best. And that also seemed to be the sum of her plan to stop Byron.
With a character who cannot be remembered, development of relationships is effectively impossible, and for me, this led to a sense of alienation from the other characters, a perspective that Hope seemed to share. As she says towards the end of the story of one of the major characters: "How strange to think of her as something human."
Unsubtle it may be, but my favourite part of the book was the way North uses Perfection and Hope's condition as a lens to examine the feedback loop that is human interaction with the world. Some of the more memorable quotes:
Perfection is derived by a consensus of society, Perfect-- to perfectly fit the mould.
Alone, you can lose yourself, or you may find yourself, and most of the time you do both.
Shall we break down the truth, the bitter, unloved, bloody-nosed truth? Tell me, in a world where wealth is power, and power is the only freedom, what would desperate men not do to be heard? [...] The internet gave us all the power of speech, and what did we discover? That victory goes to he who shouts the loudest, and that reason does not sell.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a unique story, and I'd have a hard time describing its perfect audience. However, if you're intrigued by an unusual character and a thought-provoking dialogue about the way society shapes us, Hope is well worth a look. As she says,
I think there has to be a moment when you turn round and permit yourself to be defined by the world that surrounds you.
~~I received this ebook through Netgalley from the publisher, Redhook Books, in exchange for my honest review. Quotes were taken from an advanced reader copy and while they may not reflect the final phrasing, I believe they speak to the spirit of the novel as a whole.~~
How about Valentine's Day Romance Anthologies? This is about as close to a box of chocolates as I can get for you. I thought I would slip it to you early.
I hope you are surrounded with love everyday and of every kind!
My lists are never in any particular order. Enjoy
1. Valentine's Day Is Killing Me by MaryJanice Davidson, LESLIE ESDAILE, and SUSANNA CARR
A delectable serving of romantic tales gone bad_then even badder. A woman whose blind date shows up cuffed to a dead body only leads to uncovering a lot more than mystery. A party featuring dangerously naughty favors brings the cops a knocking-and not just on the door. And the overworked employee with a dead boss and an ex-boyfriend who happens to be the most insensitive, non-romantic, completely irresistible alpha male she's ever laid-ahem-eyes on...
2. Confessions of a Secret Admirer by Jennifer Ryan, Candis Terry, and Jennifer Seasons
Waiting for You by Jennifer Ryan
Rancher Grant Devane has waited for Taylor Larson’s return to Fallbrook for more than ten years. Now that the fearless beauty has come home on her terms, he’ll do anything and everything necessary to win back her heart.
Sweet Fortune by Candis Terry
Sarah Randall is tired of being invisible to the opposite sex. So when a leap of faith sends her to Sweet, Texas, and into the path of ridiculously hot Deputy Brady Bennett, she’s determined to catch his eye … even if it means staying hidden just a little bit longer.
Major League Crush by Jennifer Seasons
Professional baseball player Drake Paulson can’t help wanting to know more about his cute, shy neighbor. But when he discovers her deepest secret and she flees, it’ll be up to him to win her trust—and her love—one gift at a time.
3. Valentine Kittens by Jo Ann Ferguson, Valerie King, and Cynthia Pratt
Just in time for Valentine's Day, three beloved Regency authors deliver a charming collection of stories in which kittens bring together lords and ladies of the ton.
4. Be My Texas Valentine by Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda, and DeWanna Pace
Out on these rugged plains, love never comes easy. And four daring ladies will do whatever it takes to capture the hearts of four irresistibly sweet-talking Texans. . . When a quiet foreman comes to the aid of a mystery lady, they'll find that this perfect starlit night is made for courtin'.... A determined heiress gambles high to reclaim the rancher she's never stopped wanting. . .. When a spirited lady and a go-getter mayor compete for their town's future, it's two dreams for a lifetime. . .. And to attract a lonely doctor's attention, a shy young woman needs courage--and two unlikely matchmakers. . ..
5. Valentine's Dream by Sandra Kitt, Carmen Green, and Felicia Mason
Love Changes Everything by Sandra Kitt
Carter Morrison is a changed man. Grace Haley never imagined that her late husband's best friend would turn into the improved man she now sees. And when he asks her for a little Valentine's Day advice, she'll discover a longing deep in her heart….
Sweet Sensation by Carmen Green
Nessie Claiborne only wants to make her firm's annual Valentine's Day charity extravaganza a success. But the moment she tries to work with handsome, sensible executive Craig DuPont, she finds her impractical ideas and his hidden longings are producing a love affair neither expected.
Made in Heaven by Felicia Mason
Val Sanders doesn't believe in romance or love at first sight. Then she receives a gift certificate for a dating service and meets Eric Fitzgerald, the sexy bachelor owner. Has Eros loosed an arrow…one headed straight for Val's heart?
6. Jinxed! by Jacquie D'Alessandro, Jill Shalvis, and Crystal Green
Blame It on Karma by Jacquie D'Alessandro Coffee shop owner Lacey Perkins scoffs when a fortune-teller informs her she's destined to fall for her arrogant, but definitely hot, property manager Evan Sawyer. Lacey figures she'd rather be jinxed—until she's cursed with a case of uncontrollable, insatiable lust.…
Together Again? by Jill Shalvis Accountant Chloe Cooper can't help but laugh at the prediction that her life is about to be transformed by true love. But that was before Chloe walked straight into her former lover, FBI agent Ian McCall, and he showed her just how thrilling things could get.…
Tall, Dark & Temporary by Crystal Green Candy shop owner Erin Holland isn't convinced when she's told that Ryan Wes, an infamous playboy, is "The One." Erin is going on a cruise with the gorgeous day trader for one reason only: sex. But her decadent plans keep getting mysteriously, frustratingly, thwarted.…
7. Who Needs Cupid? by Debra Salonen, Molly O'Keefe, and Susan Floyd
Down with Cupid!
Elle Adams, Rebecca Potter and Lucky Morgan all have valid reasons for distrusting Cupid. And with February 14 coming on fast, they decide to take matters into their own hands. If the plucky little cherub can’t do his job, they’ll sweeten the odds.
But it looks as if Cupid wasn’t out to lunch. He was just waiting for the right moment to make things interesting. Now find out what happens when he finally launches those arrows.
8. Valentines: A trio of Regency love stories for Sweethearts' Day! by Barbara Metzger
BALD LIES
Audrina is desperate to ensure that Lord Blanford not only notices her beautiful cousin but marries her as well. However, Max's head is beset by larger worries than matrimony--though he is curiously diverted by the antics of the flame-haired matchmaking minx. . . .
THE LAST VALENTINE
Exiled into obscurity by her odious father, Martine can only assume the romantic love notes on her doorstep are a mistake--intended for another. Who could it be? Only Cupid knows--as mischief and merriment mark the countdown to Valentine's Day. . . .
LOVE AND TENDERNESS
Few blushing brides have their wedding night ruined by a ghost only they can see, but Senta's hysterics send her groom running. Reconciling these stubborn newlyweds is no easy task--even for a handsome, oddly dressed apparition who calls himself the King . . .
9. Accidental Valentine by Claire Gillian, Katrina Sizemore, S.L. Hughson, Jaylee Austin, and Wendy Sparrow
Falling in love on Valentine's Day is the happiest of accidents.
10. Sinfully Sweet by Janelle Denison, Kate Hoffmann, and Jacquie D'Alessandro
Does chocolate put you in the mood? ...The owners of Sinfully Sweet, an upscale sweets shop, want to test their theory that chocolate is the ultimate aphrodisiac. So they conduct an unorthodox study, disguised as a Valentine's Day promotion. When the unsuspecting customers start grabbing up the chocolates -- the experimental results go right off the charts!
WICKEDLY DELICIOUS by Janelle Denison: Sensible Rebecca Moore impulsively decides to take up the offer of millionaire playboy Connor Bassett to have a wildly erotic fling.
CONSTANT CRAVING by Kate Hoffmann by Uptight Daniel Montgomery and free-spirited Carlie Pratt find out that opposites don't just attract, they set the sheets on fire!
SIMPLY SCRUMPTIOUS by Jacquie D'Alessandro by Kel Martin and Darcy Scott, who shared a one-night stand five years ago, are suddenly back in bed together -- and they can't get out!
Have a wonderful Valentine's Week!
Christmas may be over, but you can now download all 4 volumes from Smashwords and ARe and coming soon to Smashwords' affiliates.
As each of the four stories are so very different, I decided to review each short individually.
Heart’s Desire by Julie Reece
This is such a lovely story. There is sadness and heartache, and hope, and yearning, and desire, and love, and the added fantastical element written in a way that gives this an almost fairy tale/dreamlike persona. Very enjoyable. My only complaint would be that the development between Cam and Tessa and the time they spent together could so have turned this into a longer story because I’m sure I’d have loved being on that part of their journey with them. 
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The Sweetest Song by Claire Gillian
I struggled a little with the opening of this one. I’m not sure why. I don’t know if it’s because it dove right into the issue the female had to deal with and I was suddenly thrust into a situation where I had to keep up and understand before I’d barely been introduced to the character I was expected to care about. BUT … I read on, and got to the part where Circe met Otis and I was a gonner. I loved Otis. He’s just adorable. The dude alone could have fronted an entire novel and had female readers swooning over him. I really enjoyed watching the development between them because Circe was really such a sweet little thing, also. The only thing that bugged me was the ending a little bit. Not ‘how’ it ended, but the comedy that was suddenly thrust upon us between Poseidon and Aphrodite and how easily this (what I’ve always envisioned to be) fearful god kowtowed to the other god’s demand. The strength of the humour seemed a little out of place in context with the rest of the story and so almost seemed forced, and the compliance from he who should have opposed their ‘love’ a little too neat. But I still enjoyed it a lot. 
Pearl if Pau’maa by Kelly Said
This one was a gorgeous surprise. The descriptions took me along nicely for the ride. The characters–both Harmon and Miki–were adorable. Creeb made me giggle a lot, despite his short appearance. And I couldn’t help but be slightly awed by the author’s imagination with this one.
Oh, yes: and I had a goofy smile most of the way through.
The Undergarden by Jocelyn Adams
Okay, first word: WAHN! Man, I feel like blarting after finishing this one. Talk about emotional. Another tale told in an almost surreal and dreamlike fashion, with a couple of adorable characters leading the way. I’m not sure there’s much more to say other than it’s totally adorable and don’t read without tissues at the ready.
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