Lucia has had no intention of being a part of the family perfume business. She has never been a natural at mixing scents the way her sister, Mya, was, nor has she had the confidence in dealing with clients as her mother had. But when she finds herself mourning both failed marriage and dead acting career, she has no choice but to return home. Upon arriving there, however, she finds that her mother and sister have created a situation that could threaten their business forever, and it may be up to Lucia to intervene.
This story definitely has charm and a sort of lyrical lightness to it, which was a great diversion from what is happening around us at this moment of coronavirus. The characters are amusing and pretty, albeit a bit monochromatic, but they do hold our hands through the ride of the plot. And the plot, while it brings us through some fantastical elements (which are never my favorite, I admit), is engaging.
But now it’s time for me to ramble… I guess I just wonder why so many authors feel compelled to wrap up their characters in a neat bow before sending them all off into the sunset for the grande finale, when that is not necessarily how life happens. I understand this is fiction, and we’d all love to think that we can make life be that way. And maybe fiction is the only place where life is that way. But can’t we be ok with how life really is? Can’t we be ok with people not being perfect? Can’t we be ok with the problems not necessarily being resolved, even though it’s hard? I would think that we’re more evolved than that.
I’m not saying I like books unfinished, but I think that ensuring that everyone is tucked in and sated is not necessary either. It’s too neat.
OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now, and leave you all alone now. Sorry!
Maybe this pandemic is taking its toll and making me more ornery than I thought.
I hope you’re all hanging in there and staying 6 feet away from others, wearing your masks (even though our schmuck of a president won’t wear his!), washing your hands and staying healthy. And I wish medical and economic recovery for all of us as soon as possible.
kindread spirits 