Customer Reviews

Dear Jane Letters

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love it when I run across a great book that I can wholeheartedly recommend without reservation. So many books have engrossing plotlines, but may contain objectionable material or adult themes. Others are squeaky clean, but don't capture the reader's attention. One of my favorite recent reads is Dear Jane Letters by first time author Amanda Hamm.

Dear Jane Letters tells the story of Raina Lane, a twenty-something who seems to be surrounded by loved ones wanting to give her directives on how to fix her non-existent love life. Raina seems content to enjoy her burgeoning career as an advice columnist, but her family and soon-to-be wed best friend appear determined to find the perfect match for her. Raina survives a blind date debacle, a hilarious "speed dating" misadventure, and a re-kindled relationship from her past on the road to true love. Dear Jane Letters is not overtly religious, but author Amanda Hamm's faith upbringing clearly colors the way she writes Raina's story. This is a book you can share with your daughter, your mom, or even your husband (if he's a fan of chick lit) without hesitation.

Dear Jane Letters is a squeaky-clean romp into the romantic comedy genre. Perfectly suitable for even the youngest audience and also something adults can enjoy. Not recommended for readers who prefer their characters with the stink of sex and violence (you know who you are).

Raina Lane writes an advice column for a local paper, but is less astute about her own life. Her roommate, Vicki, is about to be married and Vicki is determined that Raina will find romance too. Raina is subjected to some embarrassing scenarios, but Vicki still persists in finding her a mate. Although insightful about the problems of others, Raina remains clueless about her own life until she discovers romance where she least expects it. This is a fun, enjoyable read.

This book is very clever. You will find yourself trying to figure out how the character will respond to her letters next. I know I was and I didn't come up with the same (what seems to be very well thought-out) answer as the author. Truly, a book that you won't be able to put down.

Well writing, clever, light-hearted romantic comedy. This book is a fun read, excellent reading for all ages.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was light-hearted and fun. I like the questions and answers of the letters to the columnist. It also remined me of myself back in ancient times (in my 20's). I would not have a problem giving a copy to my nieces, I think they would enjoy it too.

The novel of letters is a tried and true format that can be jarring to the plot line's progress. Not so here. There's a nice balance back and forth between the story's progress and insertion of Dear Jane letters, which actually do as they are intended to do and show 'Jane's' character development. A writer of lesser skills could have bungled this badly. She didn't. It's good. Check it out.

The book was a fun read and I really enjoyed the character's interactions with each other. Reading about the light-hearted ribbing the family members gave to the main character reminded me of my own family. The advice column letters were great, and I have to agree with the advice that the main character gave to all of her readers!

"Dear Jane Letters" is a delightfully entertaining book that will appeal to all ages. Ms. Hamm has creatively crafted a believable story with plausible characters and dialogue, and injects a touch of humor to keep it light.

Four-and-a-half stars is a more appropriate rating for this little gem!

An old-fashioned romance with well-drawn characters. Raina's friends and family seemed like my friends and family.