You get a clue from the title of what to expect. And that's exactly what it is - a love story within a fairy tale with a happy ending inside a not-to-be-believed plot. By a huge stretch of the imagination, this book could be under the travel section. It takes place on the Isle of Man, famous for tailless Manx cats, in the little village of Heather Bay at the northern tip of the island.
The leading character is a travel writer whose first novel reached best seller status. He has contracted to write subsequent books. His second bombed. He has hit a wall in the creativity category. As he states, he has "lost his ability to write" and is now on a search to find it.
The book opens with Brendan James at the end of his tour, near the Isle of Man, with no idea how to fulfil his contract, which, of course, is not nearing a deadline, but is at the deadline. He decides to go to the Isle of Man to see what he can discover. More likely, he has little choice at this point.
He arrives just as the villagers are preparing for the famous Mermaid Festival (a true event). The touristy atmosphere aided by the influx of visitors revolts him for he is a traveller who disdains tourist hangouts. Right at the start, the reader has to deal with a reluctant, grumpy and immature main character.
Mr. James discovers that the festival is also a time to find one's soulmate. We know he'll find his after many obstacles, hurdles and doubts. But how long will it take? Quickly, I hoped. Alas, not as fast as I would have appreciated.
The plot is weak and predictable. Characters are one dimensional. If you like fastasy, though, and believe in romantic love as the only prerequisite to a lifelong relationship, you'll probably enjoy the book.
Misadventures & Merfolk by Kelly Reno
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