Number 1 on the list was the ‘You & Your Wedding’ wedding planner. Contrary to popular belief, I refuse to believe there was any favouritism in that decision.

Still I am pleased (very!) and the bonus is that the magazine is available in the States so my family can purchase it. A proud moment indeed!

Not too surprisingly, the review of Taking the Plunge on Estella’s Revenge (an amazing e-zine about books, my all-time favourite topic) was a mixed bag.

I say not surprisingly because her biggest grudge was how confusing it was not knowing whether the book was fiction or not. This was a point I made when I read the original proof for the blurb of the book. I asked for it to be added, not only to avoid confusion, but also because I think the fact it is a true story is one of the driving forces of the book.

My editor decided not to include it. I didn’t push it as I didn’t think it was a major issue, but it might be something to look at if the book is ever successful enough to be printed again.

The reviewer also felt the switch from first to third person was jarring. I always knew there would be some people who felt this way. I think for me, and I may have said this before, the story was too close to me emotionally, for me not to distance myself.

That said, the mixed bag always includes some sunshine. The reviewer highly recommended it. She said, “Taking the Plunge is a fun read, much in the Chick Lit vein, with light and dark moments, plenty of humor and interesting characters.”

Not so shabby after all.

I’m in the States. So how do I know this?

My cousin told me obviously! That’s how it works in Jewish families.

The article says my book, “offers realistic yet amusing advice for brides-to-be.” I don’t know how good the advice can be when you weren’t so hot at your own wedding planning, but I’ll take the compliment anyway.

An OK! review: “When Bernie announces she’s engaged, she believes her wedding will be a dream come true. But she is soon coping with the reality of pushy mums, cakes and big white dresses! A witty, sparkling read.”

Four stars outta five!

I sound excited now, but at the time I was so nervous about what it would say that I made my husband read it first. The same review also appears in Star Magazine. Two magazines, one review. Yes, I was just a bit nervous about it.

Overall, Trashionista gave it a 4 out of 5. Not bad for my first review ever. They called it, “A touching and jaw-dropping account of one woman’s pre-wedding calamities” and “a compulsive and enjoyable read”. The review was very positive!

Interestingly, they found the structure “a little odd”. Here they are referring to my Wedding Truths – bits of advice and first person commentary thrown in between each chapter. In response, I would say that without these reminders, I thought people might forget that the crazy events described really happened.

What do you think? Comments welcome!

Read it here at: http://www.trashionista.com/2007/03/book_review_tak.html