Bonnie Trachtenberg

When author Bonnie Trachtenberg penned her novel, Wedlocked, I don't believe I was her target audience. Wedlocked is chicklit whose main character, Rebecca Ross is a Jewish American Princess from Long Island. On the other hand, I'm a football and rugby playing, cigar-smoking, whiskey-drinking middle-aged man who grew up in rural Iowa as a Protestant.

Yet I found the writing sparkling and every page brought a little gift in the form of an enlightened observation, a well-crafted phrase or a funny situation. Rebecca, our protagonist, annoyed me from time to time with her intolerance for all things smoking-related and for her penchant of sabotaging her chosen acting career. But she was hard not to root for, especially when she married the Worst. Husband. Ever. (As an aside, I gave my wife a copy; Craig Jacobs is one of the only non serial-killer characters who makes me look good.)

This entertaining novel has a satisfying end and is a tremendous value. You will be glad you read it.
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While the cover of the book gives the impression that the story is exclusively about the main character Rebecca's bad marriage. The book actually encompasses her life leading up to the bad marriage and what happens as a result of the rocky nuptials. The actual ceremony is understood to have happened sort of "between the lines," so to speak. The book is a before and after image in prose.
The prologue to the book is the immediate aftermath of the ceremony when Rebecca is undergoing the realization of her mistake. I was a bit confused at this point since I could not figure out if the ceremony took place or not. The next chapter starts in Rebecca's childhood, growing up with two sisters and a very marriage-minded mother in a strict Jewish household. To her mother's dismay, Rebecca is quickly influenced by her grandma Emma into a love for acting, movies, and theater. From there, the book walks us through Rebecca's pursuit of an acting career and near-absence of dating material.
Though Rebecca is likable enough, I had a difficult time relating to her career struggles, since I have little interest in that side of the business. I also did wonder if she was really as talented as she claimed to be, since her struggles were so great.
When a man, Evan, finally lays claim to Rebecca's heart, both Rebecca and Evan handle the relationship poorly and Rebecca abandons her suffering career with a broken heart. The man she eventually becomes "wedlocked" to, Craig, then shows up in her life, and a rebound relationship becomes a permanent one before Rebecca thinks to learn a bit more about her new husband. A honeymoon from hell makes the reality of her situation quite clear as Craig's bad behavior and numerous secrets get him in trouble with the Italian government, until a new friend, Michael, flies in to save the day.
Without spoiling the ending, I think Rebecca handled her problems remarkably well, with a little help, and ended the book with a humorous twist. If I suspend my opinions of the Hollywood-influenced methods of dating, marriage, and divorce that is so common in America today, the book was an entertaining read, and likely would make an even better movie.… (plus d'informations)

Losing a job never worked out so well. Dana Harrison lost her job as a columnist for the love lorn and decided she would use her advising talents to open a unique dating service along with her friend Reggie.

She and Reggie were having such fun, and you will have fun as well. This book was light, hilarious, and will definitely brighten up your day.

The characters are loveable, funny, talented, and perky....the kind of friends we would all love to have and the kind of person we would love to be. You will love Dara and will relate to her predicaments. Mallory the cat is loveable as well.

This is the second of Bonnie Trachtenberg's books that I have read. She is a wonderful author with great storylines.

If you need a lift, pick up this book, and you will laugh along with the characters and share in their fun and success. Somewhat predictable, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and after reading it, you may fall in love all over again. :) ENJOY!!! 4/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)