Customer Reviews

More Than You Know (Arabesque)

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4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Set simultaneously in Orlando, Florida and the bustling city and countryside of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, MORE THAN YOU KNOW by Eboni Snoe is filled with intrigue as the main characters, Mara Scott and Jairo Camara, try to come together in the name of love. Samba dancing is the catalyst that brings these two together but the harboring of family dysfunction is what keeps them apart.

Let down by love, Mara, a design consultant, is talked into taking samba lessons in an attempt to bring some spice into her life. On a visit to Orlando, Brazilian entrepreneur Jairo literally bumps into Mara and sets a plan in motion to see her again. When it comes down to Mara's design for a building that Jairo is constructing, they not only have cultural but also moral differences. Both are stubborn with their wants, which provokes a storm of misunderstandings. Although sad and heartfelt, the story is also humorous because of the antics and one-liners by Mara and Jairo's friends, Sharon and Roberto.

Eboni Snoe has penned great characterizations and beautiful imagery in MORE THAN YOU KNOW. We receive a lesson in the rich and poor culture of Brazil that is interesting and enlightening. All of the elements of a very good romance novel are here-the romantic setting, the misunderstandings, humor, sadness and finally, true love.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Overall the book was good however there was very little reference made to the city. It would have been nice for Jairo to have taken Mara on a tour of the city rather than pointing out Christ the Redeemer from his bedroom window. I'm surprised that she didn't take a trip to Copacabana or Ipanema beach, or the cable car up to Corcovado or Sugar Loaf. Like I said it was okay but adding these bits could have added to the romance. Rio is a great city and when someone gets a chance to sell it, they should sell it well.

I'm sorry, but this was very poorly wriiten in my opinion. There were too many gaps and bits that were addressed but never fully delved into. And there is such a thing as being too descriptive. I don't need to know that you have to pick up a cup, slowly pour the drink, set the cup back down, open the fridge,....etc. Sometimes you need to get to the point of things. The book was 280 pages but could have easily been 140 if all the unnecessary info was cut out. The characters also seemed very cut and dry. I feel that the reader could have used more emotion and depth from them. I didn't feel any sympathy for them or their plight. The plot line also kinda stunk.