January 7, 2013

Book review of “For the Love of Jazz”

“For the Love of Jazz” by Elke Feuer

Book Description:

Restoration architect Josie Fagan takes on a project with lawyer and senator’s son, Patrick Pullman. It’s the perfect match. She needs his endorsement to save her business and he wants to restore his ancestral Chicago home. Love wasn’t part of her plan. Neither was being asked to stay at his home, haunted by ghosts, or discovering she has a claim to his home – which she adores. When she finds out his family may be responsible for her aunt’s disappearance fifty years ago, it’s a race to unearth the truth before she loses not only her business and her heart, but also her life.

Patrick can’t deny his attraction to Josie and is willing to take a chance on love since his broken engagement a year earlier. Things become complicated when he learns of their family connection and her claim to the home he loves. He doesn’t believe in ghosts, or that his family is involved in her aunt’s disappearance, so insists they work together. But, when he starts seeing his uncle’s ghost, and threats are made on her life, he’s forced to confront the possibility his family could be responsible.

My Review:

I was very privileged to get to know Elke when we were both in a Gotham Writers’ Workshop class together, which is where got to read a small part of what was an early draft of “For the Love of Jazz!” Even after the class was over, I often thought of this story; there was something about the characters and story that haunted me and I wanted to know more!

When I received an early copy of “For the Love of Jazz” I was so excited and couldn’t wait to start it. When I did, it was late at night, so I thought I’d only read a chapter or two, but I was wrong — I read more than that. I was hooked instantly and with each page I turned I wanted to read more. Elke Feuer is a very talented and gifted author and it’s hard to believe that it’s her first novel. Her writing draws the readers in and makes it seem that you’re literally watching the story unfold and come to life before your eyes. “For the Love of Jazz” was a quick read that was filled with twists and turns, along with the constant thought of what the real truth was. I really liked all the characters, but Josie was definitely my favorite. I liked how she was wasn’t really afraid of anything and took chances, maybe even on Patrick…(sorry, no spoilers!). I also liked how there wasn’t too much detailed talk about the renovations she was doing to Patrick’s house. For someone who doesn’t now a lot about design, I was comforted in the fact that I didn’t need to have much background in design, which I found was a major plus.

It was my first romantic suspense and it won’t be my last! If you’re looking for an intriguing romantic suspense, “For the Love of Jazz” by Elke Feuer is the book for you!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

**Contact Elke!