Customer Reviews

Just Like Heaven

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(19)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

This is a cute book ~~ if you're looking for something light and fluffy, then this would be the book. I managed to finish it in a day ~~ and it's a darling little book.

Lauren goes into a coma after a serious car accident and months later, Arthur moves into her apartment. Just as the doctors and Lauren's mother get ready to take Lauren off the feeding tube, Arthur discovers Lauren in the apartment. Only, it's not really Lauren ~~ but her spirit. Amazed that Arthur could see her, the adventure begins. From stealing a body out of the hospital to Arthur's confrontations with his best friend to scenes in restaurants ~~ it is an entertaining book.

It is a romantic ghost story. Every woman wants to be like Lauren and every woman wants Arthur to be in their lives. There isn't much substance to the book ~~ but like I said, if you're looking for a cute story, this would be it. It is well-written and Levy has a talent for describing houses (could it be that he is an architect in a former life?) ~~ among other things.

Going to the beach? Then I suggest you take this book along. It's pleasant and sweet ~~ you can't beat it with the pleasures of lying in the sun and listening to the mute roar of the ocean.

When I thought of writing this review I knew I should come up with a negative about the book so the review would appear balanced, so here is what I finally came up with: Most of the characters are too nice to exist in real life. That should tell you how great a book this is. The best part is that the story ends the way it should. Not exactly the way I wanted but better than that. Already I have recommended this book to customers where I work and family and I just finished it this morning. If this story doesn't become a Julia Roberts blockbuster in the future there is no justice. If you read only one new author this year Marc levy is the one to choose!

In a San Francisco apartment, a man hears a noise, opens up his closet, and finds a beautiful woman inside who claims she is a ghost. Arthur thinks she is either crazy or part of a practical joke. His thoughts are revised when she escorts Arthur to a nearby hospital where her comatose body lies.

Arthur desperately wants to reunite her soul with her body, but his investigations prove futile. Her situation turns desperate when her distraught mother decides to pull the plug. Arthur, who is falling in love with Lauren, kidnaps her body in a last ditch effort to save her life.

IF ONLY IT WERE TRUE is a beautiful love story that will appeal to fans of romance, supernatural fiction, and adult fairy tales. The hero turns into a modern day Don Quixote willing to fight windmills to save the woman he loves. The heroine has the spirit of a warrior as her mental well being allows her to accept a bleak future as long as she can enjoy today with Arthur. Marc Levy is a talented author who provides his readers with an uplifting work.

Harriet Klausner

I was in the mood for something light and fun when I picked up this book, and I was well rewarded for the thought. "If Only It Were True," is a heartwarming little story with a fantasy touch.

Lauren is a doctor who has a horrible car accident at the beginning of the novel, ending up in a coma.

Months later, unknowingly living in her home, Arthur, a young architect, is interrupted in his bath when he hears someone snapping their fingers in his closet. He opens the door, and there is Lauren. He can see her, he can touch her, and he can hear her. She is a living ghost, but for some reason he is able to interact with her.

Far from being a typical ghostly-love story, "If Only It Were True," departs from the usual formulas, and actually manages to throw in some wonderful and thought-provoking concepts into the mix. Should Arthur allow Lauren's mother to turn off the life support machines and gain her mother closure and an end to the pain - given that her "ghost" might fade? There is much more to this read than meets the eye on first glance, and it is well worth the small investment of time. You'll smile, and feel warmed, by this book.

Arthur is a young architect who just moved into a new apartment. One evening he discovers a woman hiding in his bathroom closet. The woman - Lauren - is surprised Arthur can see and hear her. She tells Arthur that her physical body is in a coma and has been for six months. Her "spirit" was somehow separated from her body. Arthur doesn't believe her at first, but pays a visit to the hospital and finds her body. They get to know each other better and soon fall in love, but it doesn't last long. Lauren learns that her body is to be disconnected from the feeding tube and she will die. Arthur promises to help save her and that's when the fun begins...

This book is very well-written. It reminded me of "Message in a Bottle" by Nicholas Sparks. The writing style and the story are both very similar, although "If Only It Were True" is not as tragic as "Message." It's a very quick read - just over 200 pages long. I devoured it in an evening. Even if you're not a fan of romances, you should still try this one. It's sweet and guaranteed to leave a smile on your face, but it's not so full of sap that you will feel ill afterwards. There is a very interesting sub-plot concerning Arthur's mother; I would have almost liked to read more about it, but there was just enough to explain things and not so much that it overshadowed the actual story. The only problem with the book is that the character of Lauren wasn't nearly as well-developed as the character of Arthur. This is a minor point and you don't notice it much while reading it. "If Only It Were True" is a perfect summer read, so run to your local library and find a copy!

After reviewing this disappointing book for a small local magazine, I called the publisher and had them send me a copy in the original French. It was much better. Editors for the English version (employees of Pocket Books, I assume) had deleted dialogue, rearranged scenes and destroyed Marc Levy's surprise ending. I found the French version a very interesting, very beautifully written book. Unfortunately for those who only read English, reading the translated substitute is like eating Cheez-Wiz instead of Brie.

An excellent one-night read for those not bothered by reality, this book contains a nice blend of emotion and laughs. Do not read if you want a serious book. Main characters were good (though the hero's mother seemed rather trite and unbelievable). Poeple really do go off on whims like this! A happy book after a hard day's work.

From beginning to end, I loved this book! It is a short quick read that creates a magical romantic spell. The hope that true love is something which surpasses our physical existence is supreme; and this book addresses that hope of the heart. Because the book is set in San Francisco with a brief interlude to Carmel, it's seems SO American! It is all the more remarkable knowing it is a translation from the original French. Yes, there are small inconsistencies which the more literally-minded among us might interpret as barriers to accepting the simple story. But the construction of the tale and its reversal at the end are great moments. Enjoy this book. It is a rare gem and a treasure!

[Note: This is my second attempt to review this. Should the other try subsequently turn up, sorry for the rerun! But that's how good this book is that I waited 10 days and came back to try again!]

I admire the author's imagination; how he turned an 'Impossible' situation into a 'Could-happen' one. There are smart jokes, and the ending is unexpected. Right when you think it has come to an end, you are surprised and relieved that there's a final twist to spice up the 'epilogue'. I recommend this book for people who like smart jokes, and simple romance. Of course, you should keep an open-mind as you read this. It could happen to any of us! Marc Levy is brilliant.

What a wonderful book. I just happened to pick it up at the sale table and have recommended to everyone. I love the fantasy aspects as well as the romantic, and I especially love the surprise ending! This is just a great, feel good, book! Read it as soon as you can!