DNF. This particular book seemed to be targeted at those "ladies who lunch, in Paris, with nothing better to do" than to engage in rather far-fetched fantasies. The main character was constantly daydreaming about having conversations with the late (may she rest in peace) Princess Diana and also trying to plot a secret affair with a paparazzi photographer.

The entire story was confined to just a few days, but the scenes, even the ones that were not really crucial, seemed to drag on interminably. It just didn't hold my interest at all. It was not the kind of book that I would enjoy reading.

Oh, and I must not forget to add that this was yet another one of the deeply discounted books from the Borders "going out of business sale". The attractive cover and the mention of Princess Di initially caught my attention and lured me in, but unfortunately, the content failed to live up to my expectations.

I did not like this book at all.

From the very beginning, it failed to capture my attention. The plot seemed rather dull and uninteresting, lacking any real excitement or twists. The characters were not well-developed either, making it difficult for me to form any sort of connection with them.

The writing style was also a major turn-off. It was too simplistic and lacked the depth and elegance that I look for in a good book. There were no beautiful descriptions or profound insights that would make me stop and think.

Overall, this book was a complete disappointment. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

I was truly intrigued when I first came across this novel as a DearReader.com Fiction Book Club selection earlier this year. That initial interest led me to purchase a copy with the intention of finishing it. I then decided to choose it as the pick for my offline Book Club to read for our September meeting. We finally met on Friday night to discuss the book. By general consensus, this isn't going to be remembered as one of our all-time favorites.

This is by no means a plot-driven book. So, let's call this a synopsis of the premise. Ellen Baxter is a lost woman. Raised by a widowed former Miss Alabama who firmly believed that physical beauty is the only crucial quality a woman can possess and that if she can't use that to find and keep a man, she's nobody. Ellen married an older, widowed physicist, Lawrence Baxter, when she was just out of college. Now, at thirty-six, she seems to have no identity other than being "the lovely wife" of her Nobel-laureate husband. Her stepson is already an adult, and she has no real occupation apart from some occasional charity work. Ellen and Lawrence are in Paris for a physics conference in late August, 1997, and are staying at the Ritz on the weekend when Princess Diana, a guest at the same hotel, dies in a car crash not far away. The accident brings Ellen into contact with a photographer who was at the scene and prompts a great deal of reflection on her own life and connections to Diana's over a few days.

It's not exactly a character-driven book either. Much of the book consists of an internal monologue, and it really doesn't lead to much resolution. Stylistically, this appealed to me as it reminded me of my own style of expression at times, with lots of backtracking and tangents. However, if you don't particularly care for Ellen's voice, it could become quite irksome.

Honestly, the book isn't really "driven" by much of anything. Nothing truly significant happens, and there's not much of a payoff. It's more meditative than anything else, but it doesn't seem that Ellen really grows much from her reflections and actions. She appears to be still in the same place at the end. I feel that a reader who has endured times of psychic crisis, depression, or her own "lost" periods might have more patience and sympathy for Ellen, and this was one of the reasons the book intrigued me. But the lack of any real sense of progress, resolution, or even hope for the character was frustrating. I think it's a book that could inspire the reader to engage in some serious self-reflection on her own life, though, if she's open to it.

Disappointing! The first book I read that sings me to sleep. That's how horrible it is. I had such high hopes for this book. I thought it would be an exciting adventure that would keep me on the edge of my seat. But instead, it was so boring that I could hardly stay awake. The plot was predictable, the characters were flat, and the writing was dull. I felt like I was reading a textbook rather than a novel. I'm really disappointed that I wasted my time on this book. I would not recommend it to anyone.

Frankly, my perception of the book underwent a significant change after delving into the details of the author's marriages and affairs.

Previously, I had a certain level of appreciation for the book, but it was rather one-dimensional. However, as I learned about the author's personal life, it added a new layer of depth and complexity to the work.

The real life context provided a framework within which I could better understand the emotions, motivations, and themes explored in the book. It made the characters and their experiences more relatable and human.

For example, certain passages that I had initially found puzzling now made perfect sense in light of the author's personal struggles and relationships. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and I could see the book in a whole new light.

In conclusion, learning about the author's marriages and affairs enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the book, making it a more meaningful and engaging read.

I had the distinct feeling that I was inhabiting the mind of an individual with ADD. The characters in this story were so self-absorbed that they failed to hold my interest in the slightest.

I found myself skimming through the last three-fourths of the text, desperately hoping that the narrative would take a turn for the better.

It was truly a disappointment, as I had initially expected something more engaging and thought-provoking.

The lack of depth and development in the characters made it difficult for me to form any sort of connection with them.

Perhaps if the author had spent more time fleshing out their personalities and motives, the story would have been more captivating.

As it stands, however, it remains a forgettable piece that failed to leave any lasting impression on me.

This novel is truly a feminism trainwreck. I'm being rather generous by giving it two stars. There were indeed some parts that were quite intriguing, to the extent that I simply couldn't tear my eyes away, much like one can't look away from a trainwreck. And perhaps there were a few nice themes scattered throughout. However, it all just seemed to fall apart completely at the end, again, just like a trainwreck.

Otherwise, those 3 hours of my life are gone forever, and I'll never be able to get them back. It's a real pity because the potential was there, but it just didn't quite come together in the end.

I had high hopes for this novel, especially given its feminist undertones, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. It's a shame because it could have been so much more.

Maybe with a bit more refinement and a stronger conclusion, this novel could have been a real winner. As it stands, though, it's just a bit of a disappointment.

I have a deep affection for the story of Princess Diana.

She was a remarkable figure who captured the hearts of people around the world. Her beauty, grace, and kindness made her an icon.

The way she dedicated herself to various charities and causes was truly inspiring.

Despite facing many challenges and difficulties in her personal life, she always managed to maintain a positive attitude and a smile on her face.

The story of Princess Diana is not just about a princess, but about a woman who made a difference in the lives of many.

It is a story that will continue to be told and remembered for generations to come.

GREAT!

Here is a very interesting exploration of the inner life of a woman. She is a lovely wife, but she finds herself somewhat lost in the shadow of her successful husband.

On the surface, her life may seem perfect. She has a beautiful home, a loving family, and a husband who is highly accomplished in his career. However, beneath this exterior, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and a sense of not being fully seen or valued.

She wonders if she is simply defined by her role as a wife and if her own dreams and aspirations have been overshadowed by her husband's success. This internal conflict leads her on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to find her own identity and purpose in life.

It is a story that many women can relate to, as they too may find themselves in similar situations, grappling with the challenges of balancing their own lives with the expectations and achievements of their partners. Through this exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex emotions and experiences that women face in modern society.

Beautiful Ellen has been married to Lawrence Baxter, a Nobel Prize winning physicist, for fifteen long years.

As the initial sparks of love gradually fade into distant memories, Ellen finds herself wondering if she has simply become a trophy wife for her famous husband. Their friends seem to hold the same opinion, which only adds to her growing sense of uncertainty.

In August 1997, Lawrence and Ellen arrive at the luxurious Ritz hotel in Paris. There, paparazzi briefly mistake Ellen for Princess Diana, a moment that leaves her both flattered and a bit disconcerted.

The following morning, while jogging at the site of a recent automobile crash, Ellen unexpectedly encounters Max Kafka, a handsome American photographer who had taken her picture the previous afternoon. The air between them is thick with sexual tension as they walk together to a makeshift memorial near the crash. The memorial already has a few bouquets of flowers, and Max leaves a small photograph there before bidding Ellen goodbye.

When Ellen examines the photograph, she is shocked to realize that Princess Diana died in that very crash. This discovery leads her to think deeply about Diana and even attempt to communicate with her spirit. Through this experience, Ellen realizes that there are haunting similarities between Princess Diana's life and her own.

"HIS LOVELY WIFE" is a lyrical and literary exploration that delves into the complex and perplexing role of the beautiful wife in the shadow of a famous husband, as well as the mysterious nature of the afterlife in relation to the theories of the universe. Ms. Dewberry skillfully weaves these two weighty issues together in a truly brilliant and captivating tale.

Life lessons from the ghost of Princess Di are just not my jam.

I understand that many people are fascinated by the idea of learning from the late Princess Diana, but for me, it's just not something that interests me.

Princess Diana was a remarkable woman, and her life and legacy have had a profound impact on the world. However, I believe that everyone has their own unique path in life, and the lessons that may have been relevant to her may not necessarily apply to me.

Instead of looking to the ghost of Princess Di for guidance, I prefer to focus on my own experiences and the people in my life who have influenced me.

I believe that by learning from my own mistakes and successes, and by surrounding myself with positive and inspiring people, I can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful to me.

So while I respect the interest that others have in learning from the ghost of Princess Di, it's just not something that I can relate to or embrace.

Pretty light is a wonderful thing. It has the power to brighten up a room, create a cozy atmosphere, and even enhance our mood.

Whether it's the soft glow of a bedside lamp, the warm radiance of a fireplace, or the colorful sparkle of holiday lights, pretty light can bring a sense of magic and charm to any space.

We can use pretty light to highlight our favorite objects, such as a beautiful painting or a vase of flowers. It can also be used to create interesting shadows and patterns on the walls and floors, adding depth and dimension to a room.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, pretty light can also have practical benefits. For example, it can improve visibility and safety in a dark area, such as a staircase or a driveway.

Overall, pretty light is a simple yet effective way to transform a space and make it more inviting and enjoyable. So the next time you're looking to add a touch of magic to your home or office, consider using some pretty light to create a warm and welcoming environment.