North of the Tension Line


Fiction - Womens
476 Pages
Reviewed on 04/17/2015
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Lorelai Rivers for Readers' Favorite

North of the Tension Line by J.F. Riordan is true to its title, meandering through a year in a small community after city gal Fiona buys a ramshackle cottage on the remote side of the ferry -- just to prove that she can survive island living. Her successful art gallery friend Elizabeth is supportive in every way, after trying to talk her out of it first, of course. Fiona's furry housemates (not always wanted) insert their own thoughts on occasion and provide wry humor and some of the best interactions in the book. With two gently budding romances, a cranky neighbor, town meetings, and an embarrassing rumor, J.F. Riordan delivers a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Gilmore Girls.

If you're looking for loud action, high anxiety, or a torrid love triangle, this book will not be for you. But if you want to curl up on a snowy day with a cup of coffee and a glass of scotch, slow down time, and be put in mind of breezy seasons in the country and the simpler concerns of life, then North of the Tension Line may be just where you need to go. After reading this book, I have three thoughts: 1) I'm tempted to do some painting and house repairs but will be sure to put on mascara first. 2) There could be a spin-off to the book with only the animals, starting with "Robert and Rocco and the Mystery of the Crunch in the Wall." 3) I desperately wish that someday someone will gift me a goat.