Release: May 9, 2021
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Wes Verde
Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle
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New Jersey, 1928.
All her life, Etta Wozniak has toiled on her family’s small farm, located on the outskirts of a lake resort town. After losing her mother and siblings to one misfortune or another, life has fallen into a rut of drudgery and predictability. That is, until the day she discovers something in an unlikely place; an old car. Energized by the prospects of a world beyond the one she knows, she decides to make this her last summer on the farm. However, disaster is not through with Etta yet, and there will be consequences for her upcoming departure.
Art Adams, a recent college man, arrives in town for a family reunion. After years of moving from one city to another and avoiding conflict whenever it tries to find him, he becomes enamored with the lake. However, there is another reason for Art’s visit. He is to marry a woman he has never met before; an arrangement that was made on his behalf and without his knowledge. More comfortable around numbers and machines than people, Art is reluctant to confront his parents on the matter. But if he decides to do nothing, he risks losing who and what he has come to love.
In a small town of farmers and firemen, musicians and moonshiners, bossy parents and barn parties, two people will come to understand what they must give up in order to have the chance to build something new.
About the Author:
Wes Verde is an engineer by trade, a busybody by habit, and a lifelong Jersey boy.
Writing has been a hobby in one form or another since 2006 when he started drawing 3-panel comics. When he is not putting words down, he is picking them up; the “to-read” pile only seems to grow larger.
A fan of nature, he spends as much time outside as possible.
Jalopy Review:
Jalopy is a breathtaking romance between two average characters, and I enjoyed it a lot!
I loved reading about the two main leads, Etta and Art. Etta and Art carry their baggage by the expectations from family members. Etta feels guilty for being responsible for an accident that happened years back, whereas Art thinks he is in the shadow of his elder brothers.
Initially, both the storylines felt disconnected, and I wondered how Etta and Art would connect. However, soon, Art and Etta meet each other as he spends the night in the barn, and I loved how the author portrayed both of them together. I felt innocence and charm when I read this tale, and it just warmed my heart. Even the small moments, like them, listening to the radio or Etta inviting him over for supper, made me smile. I also enjoyed the moments when Etta introduced him to Robert and Daniel and how they got along.
I also liked how the author portrayed the supporting characters. Moreover, I found Helen particularly fascinating because of how she reacts to Etta’s choices. I enjoyed one particular moment when Helen meets Art and asks Etta if he knows about the accidents. Similarly, I adored Gregory and his protection towards Art as soon as Art started working for him. I loved how Gregory rooted for him when Ralph tried to bring him down.
The author paces the second half of the story also beautifully as Etta and Art encounter shocking twists and turns, which I did not expect. The author also spins the tale nicely once Dorothy enters the picture.
Overall, “Jalopy” is a lovely book to pick up if you love dramatic romances with loveable characters.
Giveaway
Enter to win a paperback copy of Jalop by Wes Verde!
The giveaway is open internationally and ends on October 2nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Jalopy by Wes Verde Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
So glad you enjoyed Jalopy! Thank you for the great review!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours