Customer Reviews

A Certain Smile

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

My favorite collection of books consist of Judith Michael, Katherine Stone, and Mary Higgins Clark. However, this book, "Certain Smile" would certainly not be one of those favorites. I usually re-read my favorite books no less than once a year, I struggled through this book the first time, let alone a second time. I believe the plot to be a little far fetched, without any plausibility. Who would do all these things with a stranger in a foreign country that the lead character does? Most of the books by Judith Michael are page turners for me, but this one is a putter-downer. I expect more from this writing team than this book, especially when we are all anxiously awaiting and anticipating each one. The ending was VERY disappointing. While not all books can have happy perfect endings (but why not?), this one really needed it to make up for the storyline. I'll of course buy the next Judith Michael book, but now, my expectations are lower, and perhaps, I'll read it at my library before making the purchase.

CMG

When I first noticed that this audiobook "fit" on just 2 cassettes and the entire story was told in 3 hours, I figured that it must have been heavily abridged. I didn't mind at all b/c this wasn't a book I was likely to read in its entirety, so I was glad for the opportunity to experience a shortened version of it on audio. However, the reader speaks at a much quicker pace than any other audiobook I've ever listened to, so this might have extended onto another tape had it been read by someone else - a positive thing because although I had to be extra attentive so I wouldn't miss anything, it was nice to lightly breeze right through the story in very little time.

It should be noted that the back cover mentions realities of China which test their love. None of these were developed in the plot on audio, in fact, Li's son was never introduced, so I suspect this abrigded version did cut a lot out and isn't as involved as the book. However, the cultural differences and family bonds that tested their love, and the inability to give up their homes and what was familiar to them to permenantly live in the other's world, was certainly satisfying enough for me. I honestly didn't miss what wasn't included.

I found the cultural immersion to be fascinating! I admired Miranda's character immensely and I especially appreciated how her confidence in herself, and the manner in which she projected herself, blossomed under Li's influence in her life. It's amazing how being in love has a trickle down effect into other areas of daily life! Although it was a bit odd the way Li initially approached Miranda in the airport, I also found him to be very likable (I might have fallen for him myself! lol) Their love seemed so strong, like soulmates who were meant to be together, and their relationship had such potential. As a sucker for happy endings, I would have liked to see them work out a way to stay together forever, so the end was quite disappointing and sad to me even though it was presented in a tragically beautiful way.

Bestselling husband and wife author-team Judith Michael has situated this familiar midlife, "coming of age" tale in a truly unique location. Colorful descriptions of Chinese culture and atmosphere will certainly infect some readers with the travel bug. But, while Miranda's character is well-developed and likable, Li's borders on stereotypical, and at times the threats to their relationship seem artificial. The ending also seems somewhat weak and wishy-washy for such a promising storyline. Not to give away the ending, but after 10 days of knowing each other, Miranda and Li struggle with the implausible -- one page has her staying in China (what about her kids in the US?) and the next page has him leaving China and moving to the US. Make up your minds! Unfortunately this is not one of the authors' best works, but it is entertaining if you are interested in Chinese culture and people.

-Sharon Galligar Chance

I've always enjoyed Judith Michael much more than other currently popular novelists, but not this time! These characters are too annoying to bother with. I started skimming after about 20 pages and then took it back to the library. Thank goodness I didn't buy it.

I usually enjoy books by this author however this book was very difficult to get through. I was unable to relate to or even like the characters; circumstances seemed contrived and implausible. I really dislike the ending.

I don't know what they were thinking when they wrote this book. I love the in depth research of China but if I wanted a book on travel I would have bought one. I think that their other books such as Deceptions were MUCH better than this! It needed more spice and intrigue rather than the in depth dialogue on Chinese dumplings.

I could not finish this book, let alone get past page 25. The story was too slow to develop, quite boring. I found it very disturbing that a Chinese man would befriend/stalk a stranger at the airport. Neither character was very interesting. It doesn't make sense that he would show so much interest in Miranda, to show her around the country. The fact that Li was being followed didn't add anything for me. I wish I could give it NO stars but I am forced to give it ONE star.

I usually like this writing team, really enjoyed An Act of Love, but this one had such irritating characters. It's possibly because I'm Chinese that I found the characters so stereotyped, but the authors went out of their way to make the characters one-dimensional. And a dimension I could do without. I didn't make it farther than the first 5 chapters. . .

I was fascinated with this book! It was an interesting story with interesting characters who may not have always been predictible, but that was OK. If it weren't for the tragedy of the ending, I would probably have given this story 5 stars. I do prefer a happy ending, but occasionally life doesn't come out the way we hope or expect. Whether or not we agree with the decision the authors made for the lovers to go their separate ways without further contact, maybe it was looked at as the only way the couple could handle the absence of one another and get on with their lives.

I read all those pages about a person who was supposedly coming to be her own person, developing self-confidence and courage. I read about this great love that was so special. Then the ending. You won't come to America and live in my house, in my town, with my children, and my parents who won't like you. Then I don't want us to call, or write, or ever contact each other again. So much for that special relationship. My memory went back to the section where she'd had short relationships with men that she kept seeing and sleeping with even though she felt nothing. I guess this ten day fling really fits that pattern and wasn't love at all on Miranda's part. I liked Li's character far more than Miranda's. His character stayed more consistent throughout the book. I have yet to read a book with two authors that had a consistent character flow throughout the book. There are always scenes when the character does something totally different than what you've been led to expect from the previous material. I doubt that I will invest more in a Judith Michaels' book. I felt so cheated after the last chapter. Miranda had made friends and professional contacts and could have had a good life in China. Li did not have that support if he had chosen to go to America. I read a lot, and anyone who thinks life if perfect in America, and terrible elsewhere is wearing blinders. There is good and bad in every political situation where people have any freedom whatsoever.