Book Review and Giveaway: Loving David

By Kathryn Hamilton

**Giveaway is now closed**

There is so much to love about “Loving David.”

Charlotte Taylor is a 40-something divorcee/widow romance writer. David King is a hotter than hot movie star with a sexy British accent just barely into his 30s (I think of Jake Gyllenhaal or Ryan Gosling if they were British). Their two worlds collide when Charlotte is on her way to an annual writer’s retreat and unknowingly ends up with David as a hidden passenger when he tries to escape the paparazzi. In the isolation of the retreat, sparks fly between Charlotte and David, despite Charlotte’s reservations. Can their relationship survive the real/Hollywood world and the resurgence of David’s ex?

Gina Hummer is a former actress-turned family woman-turned writer who brings us the glorious debut novel “Loving David.” As soon as readers set their eyes on the cover with its picturesque lake sparkling in the sunshine surrounded by lush green forestation (a key setting throughout the novel), they are sure to be drawn into what promises to be a splendid love story. Although Ms. Hummer is like an artist with her descriptions of the physical surroundings, I still found myself picturing that the story takes place in England, not California (I’m sure this is more due to reading several novels lately that have had an English setting and not anything the author has/has not done). Strangely enough, for some reason, I also kept thinking that Charlotte is in her 30s and I’m not sure what contributed to that; she is certainly not immature by any means. I believe that Ms. Hummer has simply created a character that readers can relate to and for me that is someone in my age bracket. Ms. Hummer brings humanity and realism to all her characters. Even Olivia, who could easily be made into an over-the-top villain, is shown to be a flawed individual who has insight into her actions. At times I wondered if perhaps Charlotte just had that ability some people do to bring out the positive aspects in others. Readers will instantly adore Charlotte and David and root for them to have a successful relationship. David is every woman’s dream come true: Sexy, famous star that has a heart of gold and seems relatively unaffected by Hollywood. Charlotte is an every-woman, and while she has been affected by heartbreak and tragedy, she never dwells on this. I simply enjoyed reading their story and getting to know them. The supporting characters are also fantastic, and if you’re like me, you’ll find particular enjoyment in Emma, the feisty octogenarian who reminds me of a fictional Betty White. Charlotte’s relationship with these various women is an excellent demonstration of why friendships are so vital in our lives; they support us and challenge us when needed, and strong friendships, while tested during a disagreement, cannot be broken.

There is nothing I can honestly say that I did not like about this novel, except that it ended. I did have a small bone of contention with the ending, but do not want to give anything away, so I’ll keep it to myself. Once you’ve given it a read, give me a shout and we can discuss. I will say this though, I haven’t had a novel bring out the emotions like this one did in a long time.

With its raunchy and descriptive love scenes and fantasy-affirming storyline of ordinary woman meets Hollywood star, in one aspect the best way to describe this novel is to say that it is Harlequin romance meets chick lit. This label does not do this novel justice. Above all else, this story is about the power of love and the exquisite beauty that comes with discovering the one love you were destined to find and whether or not love is enough.

Thanks to Smith Publicity for the book in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to Gina Hummer for offering signed copies of "Loving David" to THREE lucky readers in the US or Canada.

How to win "Loving David":
Please tell us: What is your biggest fantasy involving a celebrity? (Keep it PG rated.)

One entry per person.

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends September 3rd at midnight EST.

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