Deborah Smith (1) (1955–)

I had zero expectations going into the book. I'd heard of the author before but hadn't read anything by her. I have had Waterlilies #2 on my shelf forever, so decided I should finally get around to reading the first in the series.

I liked this book. It's a very different take on mermaids, and had a very sensual, lush narration. I really liked how Alice and Griffin were both finding themselves together, and how the plot line ties into very intriguing backstories of the sisters.

Plotwise, this book was a four. But the writing seemed a bit unpolished and simplistic. And I thought the endnotes by "Lilith" were a little too cutesy, but did appreciate the extra information about the Water People.… (mais)

I liked the plot, in concept, and the book was an enjoyable read. Hush wants two things: to grow her apples, and for her son to have better opportunities than she did. Both are endangered when said son suddenly leaves Harvard and returns home with his new wife, whose father is President of the United States. There's not much substance here, and the book was as fluffy as an apple pancake fresh off the griddle. Smith tries to make the plot deeper, more complex, but never quite succeeds more than superficially.… (mais)