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The Eighth Wonder
A modern Bridges of Madison County, Nicole Benson, 35, is an ambitious college professor with dreams of teaching at an Ivy-League school until she meets Tom Ryan, 44, married 23 years and shattered after his daughter's death from leukemia. A first-generation in her family to go to college, Nicole is a self-made woman. She put herself through school, sacrificing marriage and children for her career. In the summer of 1997, she finally graduates with a Ph.D. from NYU, but her life is thrust into chaos when her father is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Abandoned by her mother as a girl, her father is all she has. After fifteen years in New York City, Nicole leaves everything and everyone she knows to teach for a year in rural Bradford, Pennsylvania to be close to him in nearby Buffalo. Now, trapped in tiny Bradford, she has never felt more alone in her life...until she meets Tom Ryan. At 44, Tom represents what Nicole longs to settled, secure, and clear about his purpose and direction in life. Emotionally scarred, he and his wife are empty nesters with an older son away at college and struggle to grieve together after the death of their daughter. Tom and Nicole's story begins as a journey of self-discovery for both of them but turns to bittersweet romance when their friendship becomes love. Nicole risks offering what she has never given before, her heart; and Tom has never felt happier or more conflicted when he falls in love for the second time in his life.
- GenresRomance
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2012
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly S. Young
12 books8 followersKimberly Young is a licensed psychologist, an author, and an internationally-known speaker on Internet addiction. In 1995, she founded the Center for Internet Addiction and since then she has written numerous articles on the topic including four books, Caught in the Net, Tangled in the Web, Breaking Free of the Web, and Internet Addiction: A Handbook for Evaluation and Treatment. She is a professor at St. Bonaventure University and her work has appeared in hundreds of media outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, Time, and Newsweek, and she has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CNBC, CNN, and ABC World News Tonight. She has written creatively on and off since she was eight-years-old, mainly working on poems and short stories. While recovering from retina re-attachment eye surgery, she was homebound for several months and decided to pursue her creative writing more seriously. The Eighth Wonder is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2013
Ebook provided for review by Virtual Author Book Tours, in exchange of an honest review.
Nicole Benson has scarified everything including marriage and children for her career. After graduation from NYU with a PH.D at 35 years old her life takes an unexpected turn when her father get's sick with terminal cancer and she moves to a small town of Bradford PA in order to be close to him as he battles his sickness and grows weaker. Bradford Pennsylvania is a small town and nothing compare to New York City, Nicole for the first time in a while feels very alone there until she meets Tom Ryan, a married man who is emotionally scarred with his wife of 23 years after losing their daughter at a young age.
I am glad I took a while to write this review and reel in my emotions because by the end of the book they were out of control everywhere. I have to say this was a very beautiful read. When Nicole first meets Tom Ryan their journey starts on a self discovery and of course friendship. Things get complicated when their friendship turns to love, the kind that you cannot sleep, cannot eat but think about that person. The sort had a wonderful leisure pace to it, a bit slow but very you cannot help but savor because the moments between them were very sweet.
Though this book deals with adultery, which could be a sensitive subject for some people – even myself included – I couldn't help but fall in love with this book. Tom Ryan had a rough time with his wife after they lost their daughter and in a way they both came out broken, unable to deal with what happened, unable to talk about it. Because they couldn't talk, the two drew apart and the marriage wasn't what it use to be, until Nicole came along and made Tom feel whole again.
Their relationship was wonderful, and kind of sweet and beautiful but it was also so sad the way it came together and with everything that's going on in their lives. I couldn't relate to Nicole, and was almost mad at her by the end of the book, because I didn't understand how she could sacrifice love for her career and continue to do so when it became such a big part of her, it's obvious the woman wanted to be loved.
By the end of the book I had a hard time finishing it because I couldn't help but cry. The ending hit me like a ton of bricks, unexpected and gut-wrenching and nothing that I ever expected things to go in this book. I was speechless, and it took me a while to finally pick up the book to finish it off because it had caused such an emotion out of me. I don't remember the last time I cried so hard over a book. I definitely recommend this book to people.
Nicole Benson has scarified everything including marriage and children for her career. After graduation from NYU with a PH.D at 35 years old her life takes an unexpected turn when her father get's sick with terminal cancer and she moves to a small town of Bradford PA in order to be close to him as he battles his sickness and grows weaker. Bradford Pennsylvania is a small town and nothing compare to New York City, Nicole for the first time in a while feels very alone there until she meets Tom Ryan, a married man who is emotionally scarred with his wife of 23 years after losing their daughter at a young age.
I am glad I took a while to write this review and reel in my emotions because by the end of the book they were out of control everywhere. I have to say this was a very beautiful read. When Nicole first meets Tom Ryan their journey starts on a self discovery and of course friendship. Things get complicated when their friendship turns to love, the kind that you cannot sleep, cannot eat but think about that person. The sort had a wonderful leisure pace to it, a bit slow but very you cannot help but savor because the moments between them were very sweet.
Though this book deals with adultery, which could be a sensitive subject for some people – even myself included – I couldn't help but fall in love with this book. Tom Ryan had a rough time with his wife after they lost their daughter and in a way they both came out broken, unable to deal with what happened, unable to talk about it. Because they couldn't talk, the two drew apart and the marriage wasn't what it use to be, until Nicole came along and made Tom feel whole again.
Their relationship was wonderful, and kind of sweet and beautiful but it was also so sad the way it came together and with everything that's going on in their lives. I couldn't relate to Nicole, and was almost mad at her by the end of the book, because I didn't understand how she could sacrifice love for her career and continue to do so when it became such a big part of her, it's obvious the woman wanted to be loved.
By the end of the book I had a hard time finishing it because I couldn't help but cry. The ending hit me like a ton of bricks, unexpected and gut-wrenching and nothing that I ever expected things to go in this book. I was speechless, and it took me a while to finally pick up the book to finish it off because it had caused such an emotion out of me. I don't remember the last time I cried so hard over a book. I definitely recommend this book to people.
October 2, 2013
Loosely based on the author’s own life, the book relates the story of Nicole Benson, independent and career-minded, 35 years old, who leaves her high-powered existence in New York to move to a small town in Pennsylvania to be near her beloved father who is dying from cancer. She wants to make some amends for her workaholic life over the past 15 years, and spend time with him before it is too late. She has sacrificed marriage and motherhood for her career, but thinks it a sacrifice well worth making.
Then she meets Tom, slightly older than her, a gentle man who is content with his life and his marriage of 23 years to Rose, and although tragedy has touched the couple, he has never thought of changing his life. He’s a good man, who works hard for his family and community. However, there remains some undefined longing for something more and meeting Nicole has a profound and unexpected effect on him. He tries to control his feelings, as indeed Nicole does, but the love they come to feel for each other is too strong for them. What remains is to confront what has happened and find a way out of the moral maze it has plunged them into.
This is a well-written and moving novel, never sentimental, with well-developed and convincing characters. There is nothing sensational about it; it keeps its feet firmly on the ground and therefore remains always realistic. More than just a poignant love story, it is about duty and responsibility, unselfishness and care for others, being true to yourself and accepting that the choices we make always have an impact on those close to us, and that we can rarely afford to indulge our own desires without running the risk of hurting others.
In the background of Nicole and Tom’s relationship is The Kinzua Bridge, dubbed The Eighth Wonder of the World when it was built in 1882. This remarkable feat of engineering was once the longest and tallest rail bridge in the world, and its fate mirrors the couple’s own destiny.
I’m not generally a fan of love stories but this one touched me deeply, and when the details of the story have faded its atmosphere of loss and resignation will surely stay with me.
Then she meets Tom, slightly older than her, a gentle man who is content with his life and his marriage of 23 years to Rose, and although tragedy has touched the couple, he has never thought of changing his life. He’s a good man, who works hard for his family and community. However, there remains some undefined longing for something more and meeting Nicole has a profound and unexpected effect on him. He tries to control his feelings, as indeed Nicole does, but the love they come to feel for each other is too strong for them. What remains is to confront what has happened and find a way out of the moral maze it has plunged them into.
This is a well-written and moving novel, never sentimental, with well-developed and convincing characters. There is nothing sensational about it; it keeps its feet firmly on the ground and therefore remains always realistic. More than just a poignant love story, it is about duty and responsibility, unselfishness and care for others, being true to yourself and accepting that the choices we make always have an impact on those close to us, and that we can rarely afford to indulge our own desires without running the risk of hurting others.
In the background of Nicole and Tom’s relationship is The Kinzua Bridge, dubbed The Eighth Wonder of the World when it was built in 1882. This remarkable feat of engineering was once the longest and tallest rail bridge in the world, and its fate mirrors the couple’s own destiny.
I’m not generally a fan of love stories but this one touched me deeply, and when the details of the story have faded its atmosphere of loss and resignation will surely stay with me.
March 3, 2013
This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on February 16, 2013.
I was immediately pulled in to the story from the first line, curious to know who "he"is. The relationship between Tom and Nicole is slow, gradual, and just right.
Nicole is a bit of a drifter, afraid of committment, unsure of what she really wants to do with herself. I think part of this is due to the fact that her mother left their family when she was a teenager. That's a blow to any child, no matter how old you are. And I can definitely see why she would be afraid of committment if one of the people who was supposed to be there for you, no matter what, up and left.
Tom is married, but he and his wife have drifted apart since their daughter Lisa, died of Leukemia. One thing that was a little grating about his character was the way he was constantly repeating things and questioning why he was cheating on his wife. It wasn't the fact that he was questioning it, that was actually nice to see, it was just the manner in which he was doing it. More the language than anything. I don't know if I was misreading the voice, or if this was done intentionally, but it felt like Tom's dialogue was a lot more stiff than Nicole's. Nicole's had rough edges too, at times, but Tom's seemed a bit more formal than hers.
As I mentioned, the romance between Tom and Nicole is very sweet, and not rushed. It's a bit of a secret, as they live in a small town. The one thing I particularly like is that the author went in another direction with this in regards to the affair itself. Usually, there's some big blow up where the wife finds out and is extremely angry, and the lover is scorned.
In this case, that doesn't happen. You do get so involved in Tom and Nicole's relationship though that you wonder why they did it if they knew it would just cause them to hurt when it was all over. But, as I mentioned, it is just right. I won't say what happens but I will say this story certainly doesn't have a typical fairytale ending. The ending does serve it's purpose though, even though you may be rooting for something different
I was invested enough in the book and the relationship that I even shed a few tears at the end of the story, so this may be perfect for someone who needs a little cry.
Nicole's character grows a lot throughout the book and it's nice to see her be comfortable in her own skin. There are also some great secondary characters in the story as well. Quite the mix of a New York socialit (of sorts) Carol, an eccentric professor from England, and others along the way.
There are also a lot of beautiful encounters with and descriptions of nature within the book. It really made me feel as if I were in the story with the characters.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a simple romance story that will stop and make you ponder just how each decision you make will affect your life.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was immediately pulled in to the story from the first line, curious to know who "he"is. The relationship between Tom and Nicole is slow, gradual, and just right.
Nicole is a bit of a drifter, afraid of committment, unsure of what she really wants to do with herself. I think part of this is due to the fact that her mother left their family when she was a teenager. That's a blow to any child, no matter how old you are. And I can definitely see why she would be afraid of committment if one of the people who was supposed to be there for you, no matter what, up and left.
Tom is married, but he and his wife have drifted apart since their daughter Lisa, died of Leukemia. One thing that was a little grating about his character was the way he was constantly repeating things and questioning why he was cheating on his wife. It wasn't the fact that he was questioning it, that was actually nice to see, it was just the manner in which he was doing it. More the language than anything. I don't know if I was misreading the voice, or if this was done intentionally, but it felt like Tom's dialogue was a lot more stiff than Nicole's. Nicole's had rough edges too, at times, but Tom's seemed a bit more formal than hers.
As I mentioned, the romance between Tom and Nicole is very sweet, and not rushed. It's a bit of a secret, as they live in a small town. The one thing I particularly like is that the author went in another direction with this in regards to the affair itself. Usually, there's some big blow up where the wife finds out and is extremely angry, and the lover is scorned.
In this case, that doesn't happen. You do get so involved in Tom and Nicole's relationship though that you wonder why they did it if they knew it would just cause them to hurt when it was all over. But, as I mentioned, it is just right. I won't say what happens but I will say this story certainly doesn't have a typical fairytale ending. The ending does serve it's purpose though, even though you may be rooting for something different
I was invested enough in the book and the relationship that I even shed a few tears at the end of the story, so this may be perfect for someone who needs a little cry.
Nicole's character grows a lot throughout the book and it's nice to see her be comfortable in her own skin. There are also some great secondary characters in the story as well. Quite the mix of a New York socialit (of sorts) Carol, an eccentric professor from England, and others along the way.
There are also a lot of beautiful encounters with and descriptions of nature within the book. It really made me feel as if I were in the story with the characters.
I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a simple romance story that will stop and make you ponder just how each decision you make will affect your life.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
February 28, 2013
When Nicole Benson moves to Bradford, Pennsylvania, to serve as a visiting professor for a year, she is eager to get through the experience and return to her life in Manhattan. Missing that life seems to hover over her every day as she begins her temporary sojourn in the small town.
But one day at a country fair, she meets a man. Tom Ryan was unlike anyone she had ever met before, and his brilliant green eyes seemed to pierce her soul. Their friendship developed slowly, but then, amongst the autumn leaves and in a cabin Tom owned that looked out upon the Kinzua Bridge--the Eighth Wonder of the World--a love affair began.
But despite the miraculous wonder of their love, many obstacles stood between them and any kind of future. What would Nicole do about her career aspirations, one of which was to return to Manhattan? How could Tom, a married man, turn his back on his marriage? His wife Rose was not someone he felt closeness with any longer; the two were living parallel lives; but it was a life in which they had nurtured children and suffered the loss of one of them. They had a shared history.
In the pages that unfolded beautifully, the bittersweet aura of what might be vs. responsibilities and obligations, hovered overhead, mingling with the shared routines they now enjoyed. How could they separate? Yet how could they go on without each other? And how could they be together?
Beautifully evocative passages left me in tears as the story continued. Saying more would introduce spoilers, so suffice it to say that the tale is not without conflict, loss, and a poignant reminder for all who have ever been in love that its course is unpredictable, at best, and occasionally very painful.
The characters of Nicole, Tom, and even the bridge seemed to highlight a unique kind of love that is rendered more beautiful by its challenges. An unforgettable romance set against the gorgeous backdrop of small town life, "The Eighth Wonder" is reminiscent of the unique human connections that have a timelessness about them. Five stars.
But one day at a country fair, she meets a man. Tom Ryan was unlike anyone she had ever met before, and his brilliant green eyes seemed to pierce her soul. Their friendship developed slowly, but then, amongst the autumn leaves and in a cabin Tom owned that looked out upon the Kinzua Bridge--the Eighth Wonder of the World--a love affair began.
But despite the miraculous wonder of their love, many obstacles stood between them and any kind of future. What would Nicole do about her career aspirations, one of which was to return to Manhattan? How could Tom, a married man, turn his back on his marriage? His wife Rose was not someone he felt closeness with any longer; the two were living parallel lives; but it was a life in which they had nurtured children and suffered the loss of one of them. They had a shared history.
In the pages that unfolded beautifully, the bittersweet aura of what might be vs. responsibilities and obligations, hovered overhead, mingling with the shared routines they now enjoyed. How could they separate? Yet how could they go on without each other? And how could they be together?
Beautifully evocative passages left me in tears as the story continued. Saying more would introduce spoilers, so suffice it to say that the tale is not without conflict, loss, and a poignant reminder for all who have ever been in love that its course is unpredictable, at best, and occasionally very painful.
The characters of Nicole, Tom, and even the bridge seemed to highlight a unique kind of love that is rendered more beautiful by its challenges. An unforgettable romance set against the gorgeous backdrop of small town life, "The Eighth Wonder" is reminiscent of the unique human connections that have a timelessness about them. Five stars.
December 17, 2012
At age thirty-five, Nicole Benson leaves her New York life and moves to Bradford, Pennsylvania to be closer to her dying father. While in Bradford she feels very lonely, missing her friends and her New York life. Then she meets Tom Ryan. Tom, forty-four, is a secure and settled into his life, which is exactly what Nicole wants. The only problem, Tom is married for twenty-three years. His marriage is just hanging on after the death of Lisa, their young daughter. As Nicole and Tom’s relationship grows, the both fall in love, but where can this love go?
When I was asked to read The Eighth Wonder I realized it was about extramarital affairs. I accepted the review hoping there was more to the story and there definitely is. This is a story of a woman, whose mother left her and her sister when they were just kids. This woman, Nicole, has made something of herself, but just isn’t satisfied with her life. She meets Tom, who is in a good place professionally, but his marriage is struggling after his daughter dies. Tom and Nicole meet, become friends, and eventually lovers. They also help each other realize what is missing in their lives and guide each other to happiness.
Although cheating is so wrong, no excuses accepted, this is a loving story. A story that touched me, right in my heart, and part of me was actually hoping that Tom and Nicole would find some way to make it work. Another part of me was hoping Tom’s wife would find out and there would be a loving renewal in their marriage.
The ending brought tears to my eyes and was not even close to what I was hoping for, but was still a great ending. I loved this story. There was so much love and caring shown. Please everyone read this novel.
When I was asked to read The Eighth Wonder I realized it was about extramarital affairs. I accepted the review hoping there was more to the story and there definitely is. This is a story of a woman, whose mother left her and her sister when they were just kids. This woman, Nicole, has made something of herself, but just isn’t satisfied with her life. She meets Tom, who is in a good place professionally, but his marriage is struggling after his daughter dies. Tom and Nicole meet, become friends, and eventually lovers. They also help each other realize what is missing in their lives and guide each other to happiness.
Although cheating is so wrong, no excuses accepted, this is a loving story. A story that touched me, right in my heart, and part of me was actually hoping that Tom and Nicole would find some way to make it work. Another part of me was hoping Tom’s wife would find out and there would be a loving renewal in their marriage.
The ending brought tears to my eyes and was not even close to what I was hoping for, but was still a great ending. I loved this story. There was so much love and caring shown. Please everyone read this novel.
February 14, 2013
The book at me almost speechless at its end. Once finished I wasn't sure how I was going to review this one, and even now I feel like I'm struggling. I'm not saying it was a difficult book, but more that I'm not quite sure I can capture and articulate my feelings on this.
The first summary of this book said it was a modern Bridges of Madison County, and I definitely saw the similarities throughout. This isn't to say it's the same story just told in a different time period. Instead they both explore similar theme, and both include bridges. The bridge connection can actually been scene in the title of each. The first one is obvious, the second is because of the Kinzua Bridge, outside of Bradford, PA, which has been called the eighth world wonder. (It can also be seen in the background of the book cover.) Also given the similarities, I was very curious as to whether this book was going to end the way I remember the movie ending. I won't give the ending away here, but I will say that in a way, I found it beautiful.
One aspect that really spoke to me was when the father of Nicole, our main character, passes away. The time she spent dealing with her father's loss couldn't help but bring me back to my own mother's passing just over a year ago. The emotion in those passages, and what Nicole was feeling, just felt real to me.
This is a shorter book and quick read, but I don't think it needed to be longer. It did tell a beautiful story, and while part of it is a love story, what I enjoyed more was the love story of finding yourself and discovering what you want to be doing with your life.
Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
The first summary of this book said it was a modern Bridges of Madison County, and I definitely saw the similarities throughout. This isn't to say it's the same story just told in a different time period. Instead they both explore similar theme, and both include bridges. The bridge connection can actually been scene in the title of each. The first one is obvious, the second is because of the Kinzua Bridge, outside of Bradford, PA, which has been called the eighth world wonder. (It can also be seen in the background of the book cover.) Also given the similarities, I was very curious as to whether this book was going to end the way I remember the movie ending. I won't give the ending away here, but I will say that in a way, I found it beautiful.
One aspect that really spoke to me was when the father of Nicole, our main character, passes away. The time she spent dealing with her father's loss couldn't help but bring me back to my own mother's passing just over a year ago. The emotion in those passages, and what Nicole was feeling, just felt real to me.
This is a shorter book and quick read, but I don't think it needed to be longer. It did tell a beautiful story, and while part of it is a love story, what I enjoyed more was the love story of finding yourself and discovering what you want to be doing with your life.
Disclosure: I was provided this book through Virtual Author Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 5, 2013
This is the first novel written by Kimberly S. Young, and I really enjoyed reading it. I love reading books that are both educational and entertaining. In "The Eighth Wonder" Ms. Young introduced me to the Kinzua Bridge, in Pennsylvania, which I googled so I could learn more about it, and yes it is a real bridge and is an 'Eighth Wonder.'
Her descriptions of the beauty of the area drew me right into the story, I felt like I was right there with Nicole and Tom. I grew up in Western Maryland, where the Autumns were lovely with the many different Autumn colors of the trees. Her description of the autumn brought back many memories of beautiful Autumns of years gone by.
Along with the history of the Kinzua Bridge is a love story intertwined throughout the story. I was drawn into the story from the very first paragraph...
"The Kinzua Bridge had changed everything in her life. As the familiar smell of wood smoke filled the cabin, Nicole Benson gazed out the window at the rusted steel girders of the fallen bridge in the distance, the bridge called the Eighth Wonder of the World..."
This book was provided to me by the author, Kimberly S. Young, to read and give an honest review. Thank you Kimberly for a lovely few days of reading, and the wonderful visit to the Kinzua Bridge. I loved reading your first novel and hopefully look forward to reading many more.
Her descriptions of the beauty of the area drew me right into the story, I felt like I was right there with Nicole and Tom. I grew up in Western Maryland, where the Autumns were lovely with the many different Autumn colors of the trees. Her description of the autumn brought back many memories of beautiful Autumns of years gone by.
Along with the history of the Kinzua Bridge is a love story intertwined throughout the story. I was drawn into the story from the very first paragraph...
"The Kinzua Bridge had changed everything in her life. As the familiar smell of wood smoke filled the cabin, Nicole Benson gazed out the window at the rusted steel girders of the fallen bridge in the distance, the bridge called the Eighth Wonder of the World..."
This book was provided to me by the author, Kimberly S. Young, to read and give an honest review. Thank you Kimberly for a lovely few days of reading, and the wonderful visit to the Kinzua Bridge. I loved reading your first novel and hopefully look forward to reading many more.
July 9, 2013
The Eighth Wonder is an emotional, heart-tugging journey into the lives of two people, Nicole and Tom. Both from different walks of life, it's fate when their lives intersect. It's not a happy journey at first, for either of them.
Nicole, never marrying or having children, has put her career first. She's always had her father as her crutch for when she needed him, as her mom left years ago. But when her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer, it's her turn to be there for him.
Tom is married but his marriage has been struggling for awhile now since the loss of their daughter to leukemia. He makes no excuses for his behavior, abhorrent though it may be. Cheating is never a good thing, but what starts out as friendship between him and Nicole soon turns into something more.
Told through flashbacks in both perspectives, the writing is lyrical, yet poignant. Young has created memorable, realistic characters that really touch an emotional chord on a tiered level. Life is full of choices, and the output of those choices will change not only your life, but others around you. A unique love story with a surprising ending, The Eighth Wonder is an emotionally charged read!
Nicole, never marrying or having children, has put her career first. She's always had her father as her crutch for when she needed him, as her mom left years ago. But when her dad is diagnosed with terminal cancer, it's her turn to be there for him.
Tom is married but his marriage has been struggling for awhile now since the loss of their daughter to leukemia. He makes no excuses for his behavior, abhorrent though it may be. Cheating is never a good thing, but what starts out as friendship between him and Nicole soon turns into something more.
Told through flashbacks in both perspectives, the writing is lyrical, yet poignant. Young has created memorable, realistic characters that really touch an emotional chord on a tiered level. Life is full of choices, and the output of those choices will change not only your life, but others around you. A unique love story with a surprising ending, The Eighth Wonder is an emotionally charged read!
March 1, 2013
By chance I was asked to review this book with an unassuming cover. Not sure what to expect from the pages within. You won't find an HEA here... But what you will find is a love story, a deep inside your bones, love that can only be carried within your soul until you take your breath. We should all be so lucky, however fleeting & brief to have even a moment such as this. AMAZING BOOK.
5 stars
Kimberly S. Young's writing is flawless.
5 stars
Kimberly S. Young's writing is flawless.
March 5, 2013
Blog Tour Post:
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The Eighth Wonder by Kimberly Young
Reviewed by Dani
Dani’s Rating: 4 stars
Steph's Rating: 4 stars
Overall rating: 4 stars
Dani's Review:
When I first heard the title of this book, I immediately wondered what the "eighth wonder" was. So what is an “eighth wonder”? Here’s my definition: An object or place is dubbed "the eighth wonder" when the person christening it believes it deserves to be up there in the Hall of Fame with the seven wonders of the world. Maybe it's the physical beauty, the historical background, or simply a place where this person has passed many happy hours. Ms. Kimberly Young's eighth wonder is Kinzua Bridge in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Ms. Young also incorporated a lot of history about Kinzua Bridge in this book. Usually I don’t enjoy learning history, but I loved how Ms. Young intertwined facts with the plot.
The Eighth Wonder is a deep, emotional, and rather slow romance book. It is not one of those romance novels with a young girl who suddenly falls in love with a sexy guy at first sight. The Eighth Wonder is much, much more than that.
Nicole Benson is a 35 year old woman with a PhD from New York University. She sacrificed a "normal" life of marriage and children for her career. Sheis a strong protagonist who helped herself earn her degree and is the only one in her family to graduate from college. All of her girlfriends back home have already settled down with a husband and kids, but Nicole went against the norm to follow her dreams. She decides to take a one year contract at Bradford’s local university to get teaching experience and use the time to apply for a job at a more prestigious university.
Tom is a 44 year old married man born and bred in the country. He is a kind man who works at the local nursing home. After his daughter died at a young age, a rift appeared between him and his wife. Both were heartbroken from the loss, but his wife especially. Their relationship was never the same again. He meets Nicole at the county fair.
Ms.Young’s writing is spectacular. She used so much detail to describe each setting, a trait not seem very often in modern writing anymore. I also loved how she explored the characters’ emotions. Nicole, debating whether she should take a job closer to her father or choose the more prestigious place. Tom, wondering if his actions and feelings are for Nicole are wrong.
FYI: There IS adultery in this novel. I know some readers strongly oppose
the adultery in this novel, but it is written in a subtle, smooth way. This entire novel is about an unmarried woman and a married man loving each other, so isn’t it expected? Also, there are NOT any steamy love scenes
The only complaint I have about this novel is the pace of the plot. It felt somewhat slow to me, but I'm a teenager and this is an adult contemporary romance. I think that all book-lovers, no matter their age, will enjoy this novel because of the writing and character development. It's almost written like a literary classic. The Eighth Wonder was an enjoyable read that kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading it.
Steph's commentary:
Like Dani, I thought this was a emotionally powerful novel that just tugged at your heartstrings. I loved that back and forth between Tom and Nicole's feelings, when they were wondering if what they were doing was truly for the best. Kimberly Young's way of expressing the characters thoughts and emotions was truly wonderful, and even can make you feel conflicted as well even when you aren't going through these debates. Even among the adult books that I read, you don't find this a lot. Most books I read these days follow a "read-obsess-move on" pattern. The Eighth Wonder isn't like that and is a story that you won't forget.
I supposed my only complaint is the slowness of this novel. It isn't very long, but the romance has a very slow build up and stretches across the entire book. I am the impatient reader type though so perhaps others may not feel this way and that the slow romance is perfect for Tom and Nicole's relationship. This is very much an adult novel, and since Dani and I are still teens, maybe the true messages in this book were not as clear to us.
If you are a fan of adult romance, then I would recommend this to you! It is a short and sweet novel that you surely want to read.
Tomorrow we will be having an Interview with Kimberly S. Young as well as a giveaway of a copy of The Eighth Wonder. Be sure to check back!
Steph and Dani {A Walk on Words}
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/2013...
Giveaway Post for an ebook of The Eighth Wonder here:
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/2013...
The Eighth Wonder by Kimberly Young
Reviewed by Dani
Dani’s Rating: 4 stars
Steph's Rating: 4 stars
Overall rating: 4 stars
Dani's Review:
When I first heard the title of this book, I immediately wondered what the "eighth wonder" was. So what is an “eighth wonder”? Here’s my definition: An object or place is dubbed "the eighth wonder" when the person christening it believes it deserves to be up there in the Hall of Fame with the seven wonders of the world. Maybe it's the physical beauty, the historical background, or simply a place where this person has passed many happy hours. Ms. Kimberly Young's eighth wonder is Kinzua Bridge in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Ms. Young also incorporated a lot of history about Kinzua Bridge in this book. Usually I don’t enjoy learning history, but I loved how Ms. Young intertwined facts with the plot.
The Eighth Wonder is a deep, emotional, and rather slow romance book. It is not one of those romance novels with a young girl who suddenly falls in love with a sexy guy at first sight. The Eighth Wonder is much, much more than that.
Nicole Benson is a 35 year old woman with a PhD from New York University. She sacrificed a "normal" life of marriage and children for her career. Sheis a strong protagonist who helped herself earn her degree and is the only one in her family to graduate from college. All of her girlfriends back home have already settled down with a husband and kids, but Nicole went against the norm to follow her dreams. She decides to take a one year contract at Bradford’s local university to get teaching experience and use the time to apply for a job at a more prestigious university.
Tom is a 44 year old married man born and bred in the country. He is a kind man who works at the local nursing home. After his daughter died at a young age, a rift appeared between him and his wife. Both were heartbroken from the loss, but his wife especially. Their relationship was never the same again. He meets Nicole at the county fair.
Ms.Young’s writing is spectacular. She used so much detail to describe each setting, a trait not seem very often in modern writing anymore. I also loved how she explored the characters’ emotions. Nicole, debating whether she should take a job closer to her father or choose the more prestigious place. Tom, wondering if his actions and feelings are for Nicole are wrong.
FYI: There IS adultery in this novel. I know some readers strongly oppose
the adultery in this novel, but it is written in a subtle, smooth way. This entire novel is about an unmarried woman and a married man loving each other, so isn’t it expected? Also, there are NOT any steamy love scenes
The only complaint I have about this novel is the pace of the plot. It felt somewhat slow to me, but I'm a teenager and this is an adult contemporary romance. I think that all book-lovers, no matter their age, will enjoy this novel because of the writing and character development. It's almost written like a literary classic. The Eighth Wonder was an enjoyable read that kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading it.
Steph's commentary:
Like Dani, I thought this was a emotionally powerful novel that just tugged at your heartstrings. I loved that back and forth between Tom and Nicole's feelings, when they were wondering if what they were doing was truly for the best. Kimberly Young's way of expressing the characters thoughts and emotions was truly wonderful, and even can make you feel conflicted as well even when you aren't going through these debates. Even among the adult books that I read, you don't find this a lot. Most books I read these days follow a "read-obsess-move on" pattern. The Eighth Wonder isn't like that and is a story that you won't forget.
I supposed my only complaint is the slowness of this novel. It isn't very long, but the romance has a very slow build up and stretches across the entire book. I am the impatient reader type though so perhaps others may not feel this way and that the slow romance is perfect for Tom and Nicole's relationship. This is very much an adult novel, and since Dani and I are still teens, maybe the true messages in this book were not as clear to us.
If you are a fan of adult romance, then I would recommend this to you! It is a short and sweet novel that you surely want to read.
Tomorrow we will be having an Interview with Kimberly S. Young as well as a giveaway of a copy of The Eighth Wonder. Be sure to check back!
Steph and Dani {A Walk on Words}
http://awalkonwords.blogspot.com/
January 28, 2016
A Forbidden love story written with compassion and sincerity. Becoming one with the characters Tom and Nicole in their struggle to be together even if they knew it was risky and wrong. Odds stacked against them but as Mildred pointed out in the book Love is not always fair regarding the things we know is important or make sense.
Nicole, an independent, intelligent strong woman was used living life as she sees fit. Loving the lifestyle that her independence afforded her. Not willing to be committed to one man. Leaving a trail of failing relationships behind her. But at the age of thirty five when confronted with mortality through her father's sickbed she realized that she too needed stability, love and security.
Meeting Tom Ryan he was all that and more. He was the first man she really cared for and loved. Willing to put every thing aside to be with him.
But Tom Ryan was a married man, struggling with the death of his thirteen year old daughter. His cold marriage and a distant son. And at forty four he was going through life, doing what was expected. Being part of the community dedicated his life to the every day activities of the older people.
He still loved his wife but they had no communication after the death of their daughter, each living separately from the other in their own world.
When he met Nicole she was a breath of fresh air. Loving him even if he was pudgy, grey with no future to promise her.
In between you learn more about them as the other characters featured in the story. Allison, Jennifer, Mildred and Carol that contribute to the questions they faced everyday. Each in their own way help them making life-altering decisions.
Nicole's search for another position at the University of Colombia while her one year contract is coming to a close in Bradford. Tom's willingness to help and listen knowing that her leaving means he will stay behind and the end of their affair.
As reader you get involved with their thoughts, the questions they faced. Knowing their decision would cause a ripple effect in other's lives.
Tom struggling with his feelings for his wife, trying to connect with her and we see that at the end cleaning the room of Lisa it had a huge impact in there married life and the turning point in the choices to be made.
He could never leave her, never loose the respect of his son, never betray them for his own happiness and at the end we see how these two people come to the same conclusion. To separate and never return to that place of happiness and love even if their hearts were aching for each other.
The story of the Kinzua bridge neatly woven into the plot to make the story believable and real. The connecting point in their relationship and the one place they could be their self. Having their own rituals as a couple, growing as people and just be.
The camp site that was left for her in his will and after eleven years of separation he still had her on his mind giving her the biggest of all. His photo still on her desk telling him how she loved him.
Heart warming to the end as she take up the pen to write her story.
Nicole, an independent, intelligent strong woman was used living life as she sees fit. Loving the lifestyle that her independence afforded her. Not willing to be committed to one man. Leaving a trail of failing relationships behind her. But at the age of thirty five when confronted with mortality through her father's sickbed she realized that she too needed stability, love and security.
Meeting Tom Ryan he was all that and more. He was the first man she really cared for and loved. Willing to put every thing aside to be with him.
But Tom Ryan was a married man, struggling with the death of his thirteen year old daughter. His cold marriage and a distant son. And at forty four he was going through life, doing what was expected. Being part of the community dedicated his life to the every day activities of the older people.
He still loved his wife but they had no communication after the death of their daughter, each living separately from the other in their own world.
When he met Nicole she was a breath of fresh air. Loving him even if he was pudgy, grey with no future to promise her.
In between you learn more about them as the other characters featured in the story. Allison, Jennifer, Mildred and Carol that contribute to the questions they faced everyday. Each in their own way help them making life-altering decisions.
Nicole's search for another position at the University of Colombia while her one year contract is coming to a close in Bradford. Tom's willingness to help and listen knowing that her leaving means he will stay behind and the end of their affair.
As reader you get involved with their thoughts, the questions they faced. Knowing their decision would cause a ripple effect in other's lives.
Tom struggling with his feelings for his wife, trying to connect with her and we see that at the end cleaning the room of Lisa it had a huge impact in there married life and the turning point in the choices to be made.
He could never leave her, never loose the respect of his son, never betray them for his own happiness and at the end we see how these two people come to the same conclusion. To separate and never return to that place of happiness and love even if their hearts were aching for each other.
The story of the Kinzua bridge neatly woven into the plot to make the story believable and real. The connecting point in their relationship and the one place they could be their self. Having their own rituals as a couple, growing as people and just be.
The camp site that was left for her in his will and after eleven years of separation he still had her on his mind giving her the biggest of all. His photo still on her desk telling him how she loved him.
Heart warming to the end as she take up the pen to write her story.
January 16, 2016
I had very mixed feelings about this book. There were parts that I really liked and parts that I was turned off by.
So I will start with the good. This story takes place in historic Bradford, PA. My husband works in the "Oilfield" in PA so reading about PA was great for me. There was so much history in this book. She wrote all about the Kinzua Bridge, and the park around it. All this was done very well. She was very descriptive when telling about hiking up to the bridge and taking pictures. I just loved this whole part and could have easily read a whole book about it.
"The Kinzua bridge was built in1812, and was once dubbed The Eighth Wonder of the World," Tom said as he pointed to the bridge. "Upon completion, it was the world's tallest and longest railroad bridge, 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long."
"Actually, in 1977, the Kinzua Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks."
I learned so much while reading this book! And I thank the author for that. When I told my husband that I was reading a book about Bradford and the bridge He said "Oh yeah, I know all about that bridge. It was destroyed by a tornado I think."
Unfortunately I didn't care for either of the main characters. I never warmed up to Nicole. I don't really know why. Maybe I just will always hate "the other woman" since I was a wife that had been cheated on (years ago with my ex.). This whole scenario just rubbed me the wrong way. I have read books about infidelity before and they are either funny or make the "other woman" seem like a tramp. But this book almost made it seem like it was ok. And I was not OK with that! I was really hoping that the wife would find out and shoot her, LOL.
The other thing that was a real turn off for me was Nicole smoked and if that was not enough, Tom used snuff (chewing tobacco) - UGH! I started to like Tom and then he pulled out the snuff and I seriously just wanted to put the story down. I was done. It was such a turn off. Even if the author is a smoker I think this was a really bad choice to put it in the book.
This was the author's first novel. I do think she has promise! There were parts of this book that were done very well. I would like to see what she does for a second book.
Note to author - please leave out the smoking! I don't like it in real life, and I guess i don't like it in books either!
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
This is a mixed bag sort of book filled with real PA history and a forbidden love story between a woman and a married man. Despite all the differences the book and I shared, it was a well written book with great descriptions.
So I will start with the good. This story takes place in historic Bradford, PA. My husband works in the "Oilfield" in PA so reading about PA was great for me. There was so much history in this book. She wrote all about the Kinzua Bridge, and the park around it. All this was done very well. She was very descriptive when telling about hiking up to the bridge and taking pictures. I just loved this whole part and could have easily read a whole book about it.
"The Kinzua bridge was built in1812, and was once dubbed The Eighth Wonder of the World," Tom said as he pointed to the bridge. "Upon completion, it was the world's tallest and longest railroad bridge, 301 feet high and 2,053 feet long."
"Actually, in 1977, the Kinzua Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks."
I learned so much while reading this book! And I thank the author for that. When I told my husband that I was reading a book about Bradford and the bridge He said "Oh yeah, I know all about that bridge. It was destroyed by a tornado I think."
Unfortunately I didn't care for either of the main characters. I never warmed up to Nicole. I don't really know why. Maybe I just will always hate "the other woman" since I was a wife that had been cheated on (years ago with my ex.). This whole scenario just rubbed me the wrong way. I have read books about infidelity before and they are either funny or make the "other woman" seem like a tramp. But this book almost made it seem like it was ok. And I was not OK with that! I was really hoping that the wife would find out and shoot her, LOL.
The other thing that was a real turn off for me was Nicole smoked and if that was not enough, Tom used snuff (chewing tobacco) - UGH! I started to like Tom and then he pulled out the snuff and I seriously just wanted to put the story down. I was done. It was such a turn off. Even if the author is a smoker I think this was a really bad choice to put it in the book.
This was the author's first novel. I do think she has promise! There were parts of this book that were done very well. I would like to see what she does for a second book.
Note to author - please leave out the smoking! I don't like it in real life, and I guess i don't like it in books either!
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
This is a mixed bag sort of book filled with real PA history and a forbidden love story between a woman and a married man. Despite all the differences the book and I shared, it was a well written book with great descriptions.
February 14, 2013
Nicole is originally from Buffalo but spent many years in New York (she loves it there!). She worked in finance on Wall Street but went back to school to follow her dream of becoming a professor. She's had various relationships over the years but has commitment issues, stemming from her mother leaving the family when Nicole was young. When her dad is diagnosed with cancer, she accepts a job with a university in a small town about an hour from her dad so she can spent time with him.
Tom lives in the small town Nicole moves to and runs a seniors residence. He has been married to Rose for over twenty years. Things were fine until their young daughter, Lisa, died of cancer six years ago. After that, they grew apart emotionally and never dealt with their grief.
When Tom and Nicole meet, they are instantly attracted. Things quickly progress to the point where they are having an affair and are in love. But things get complicated when Nicole gets offered a job in North Carolina and Tom doesn't want to hurt his wife by leaving her.
I thought this was an interesting premise for a book and was curious to see how the author would handle it. There were a couple options on how to end the book. The author could have kept them together now that they'd found each other at the right time in their lives and they lived happily ever after. Or she could break them up and have them carry on with their lives but never forgetting each other. Or perhaps Rose finds out and kills them! You're going to have to read this book to find out how it ended!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and the writing style. While the author gave details of their intimate activity, for some reason I wasn't feeling the spark between them. But it was obvious they enjoyed spending time together and had grown close.
I had a problem with Tom chewing tobacco and Nicole smoking. Tom has lost a daughter to cancer and Nicole is losing her dad to cancer so they should know better (can you tell I'm not a smoker?). Also, Tom is a hunter and shoots/eats deer ... maybe it's a way of life in Bradford. Yes, I eat meat but I'm anti-hunting (I know that doesn't makes sense!).
If you are looking for a romance with a different kind of twist, you should check it out.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/02...
Tom lives in the small town Nicole moves to and runs a seniors residence. He has been married to Rose for over twenty years. Things were fine until their young daughter, Lisa, died of cancer six years ago. After that, they grew apart emotionally and never dealt with their grief.
When Tom and Nicole meet, they are instantly attracted. Things quickly progress to the point where they are having an affair and are in love. But things get complicated when Nicole gets offered a job in North Carolina and Tom doesn't want to hurt his wife by leaving her.
I thought this was an interesting premise for a book and was curious to see how the author would handle it. There were a couple options on how to end the book. The author could have kept them together now that they'd found each other at the right time in their lives and they lived happily ever after. Or she could break them up and have them carry on with their lives but never forgetting each other. Or perhaps Rose finds out and kills them! You're going to have to read this book to find out how it ended!
For the most part, I enjoyed this book and the writing style. While the author gave details of their intimate activity, for some reason I wasn't feeling the spark between them. But it was obvious they enjoyed spending time together and had grown close.
I had a problem with Tom chewing tobacco and Nicole smoking. Tom has lost a daughter to cancer and Nicole is losing her dad to cancer so they should know better (can you tell I'm not a smoker?). Also, Tom is a hunter and shoots/eats deer ... maybe it's a way of life in Bradford. Yes, I eat meat but I'm anti-hunting (I know that doesn't makes sense!).
If you are looking for a romance with a different kind of twist, you should check it out.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/02...
February 20, 2013
Sometimes you want a book that is deep and moving. In this book the author, Kimberly S. Young, calls a modern Bridges of Madison County, you'll just that. The Eighth Wonder is not one to read in a day or to just fly through.
This is the story of a woman who can't seem to find herself in life. In the process of dealing with all aspects of her life, she finds herself in a small town and attracted to a married man facing issues within his own life. They discover themselves through each other.
I found this an extremely well-written book. It is not a story with a plot as most would think in mystery stories and such. This is an emotional journey through two people. This means that there is much narrative and many flashbacks. The two main characters spend much of their time dealing with their past, their present, and the future. In that sense, expect the story to move along at a slow pace as it is meant to. It is not a quick read nor one that will have you riveted, but it will have you thinking about it long after you are done.
The characters are well developed and not perfect nor all bad. They are just like ordinary people in that they have challenges, make mistakes, and have a lot of baggage that they eventually have to face. I do have to admit that it was hard to relate to the main female character as she was so much the opposite of me, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It was something I had to deal with personally while reading the story.
The storyline is very emotional. I found myself crying at several parts and had to stop reading. Part of that was the topic of the man's death of his little girl. I have three children so it was very hard for me thinking how I would feel or react. I do want to warn readers that there is adultery in this book but it is not graphic and handled with tact. I do appreciate that.
This is a book that I would recommend for book clubs and those that like general fiction. It is emotional and one that needs to be concentrated on. The author is right in calling it a modern version of The Bridges of Madison County but I think this story can stand on its own without comparison.
Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
This is the story of a woman who can't seem to find herself in life. In the process of dealing with all aspects of her life, she finds herself in a small town and attracted to a married man facing issues within his own life. They discover themselves through each other.
I found this an extremely well-written book. It is not a story with a plot as most would think in mystery stories and such. This is an emotional journey through two people. This means that there is much narrative and many flashbacks. The two main characters spend much of their time dealing with their past, their present, and the future. In that sense, expect the story to move along at a slow pace as it is meant to. It is not a quick read nor one that will have you riveted, but it will have you thinking about it long after you are done.
The characters are well developed and not perfect nor all bad. They are just like ordinary people in that they have challenges, make mistakes, and have a lot of baggage that they eventually have to face. I do have to admit that it was hard to relate to the main female character as she was so much the opposite of me, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. It was something I had to deal with personally while reading the story.
The storyline is very emotional. I found myself crying at several parts and had to stop reading. Part of that was the topic of the man's death of his little girl. I have three children so it was very hard for me thinking how I would feel or react. I do want to warn readers that there is adultery in this book but it is not graphic and handled with tact. I do appreciate that.
This is a book that I would recommend for book clubs and those that like general fiction. It is emotional and one that needs to be concentrated on. The author is right in calling it a modern version of The Bridges of Madison County but I think this story can stand on its own without comparison.
Note: This book was provided as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
February 26, 2013
(Rating: 3.5) The Eighth Wonder declares it is a contemporary Bridges of Madison County and that's a decent comparison. Both books deal with the symbolism of a bridge and in Kimberly S. Young's novel, that bridge is the Kinzua Brigde which is located in Bradford, PA (it is also on the book cover). But where I thought Robert James Waller's novel occasionally became mired in saccharine scenes, The Eighth Wonder does not.
Nicole has devoted her life to her job as a professor and finishing her education. After she receives her Ph.D. from NYU she learns her father is ill and takes a teaching job in Bradford to be near her dad in Buffalo. Even though I've never been to Bradford, Kimberly S. Young paints such a vivid picture of that place, I feel I know it. As Nicole grapples with her father's illness, she meets Tom and a friendship ensues. Their friendship deepens and turns to love which then becomes adultery since Tom is married.
Adultery is a tough topic to read about and while I can't condone the couple's relationship, I certainly understand it. These characters are well written and have such depth. I didn't connect to them personally, yet I enjoyed reading their story. The author handles their forbidden affair with a striking candidness and compassion which gave the novel heart. Thought provoking, touching, and honest, The Eighth Wonder is a novel bridging two lives together providing these individuals with a special love each needed at that time in their lives. Without melodrama, the author gifts the reader with an engrossing character study about the healing power of love.
Everything happens for a reason is a common adage we hear and in The Eighth Wonder, a tender, gripping love story, this adage proves truthful for Nicole and Tom.
(http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
Nicole has devoted her life to her job as a professor and finishing her education. After she receives her Ph.D. from NYU she learns her father is ill and takes a teaching job in Bradford to be near her dad in Buffalo. Even though I've never been to Bradford, Kimberly S. Young paints such a vivid picture of that place, I feel I know it. As Nicole grapples with her father's illness, she meets Tom and a friendship ensues. Their friendship deepens and turns to love which then becomes adultery since Tom is married.
Adultery is a tough topic to read about and while I can't condone the couple's relationship, I certainly understand it. These characters are well written and have such depth. I didn't connect to them personally, yet I enjoyed reading their story. The author handles their forbidden affair with a striking candidness and compassion which gave the novel heart. Thought provoking, touching, and honest, The Eighth Wonder is a novel bridging two lives together providing these individuals with a special love each needed at that time in their lives. Without melodrama, the author gifts the reader with an engrossing character study about the healing power of love.
Everything happens for a reason is a common adage we hear and in The Eighth Wonder, a tender, gripping love story, this adage proves truthful for Nicole and Tom.
(http://www.readergirlsblog.com/2013/0...)
August 2, 2012
Growing up in Buffalo, a short drive from Bradford, I was especially interested in this book, especially since my father, like Nicole's, suffered from cancer and was also treated at Roswell Park. Ms. Young did a great job with this book, developing the character's so thoroughly that I felt like I personally knew them. The descriptiveness of the scenes at the cabin made me feel like I was right there. I struggled along with the main characters when they had to make their respective difficult decisions and wished that the (surprise) ending was different. I definitely found this an enjoyable read and hope that Ms. Young keeps writing novels!
October 5, 2012
Kimberly, known for her books on Internet Addiction, and has written her first novel, The Eighth Wonder. The novel takes place in Bradford around The Kinzua Bridge, once dubbed 'The Eighth Wonder of the World'. It tells the story of Nicole Benson, an ambitious, young college professor with dreams of teaching at an Ivy-League school, and Tom Ryan, a community-minded native of Bradford whose marriage of 23 years has been strained after the death of his daughter to leukemia. The Eighth Wonder has a Bridges of Madison County quality as the two fall in the love and their relationship transforms their lives.
January 16, 2013
This is a compelling story with the characters facing unexpected life’ challenges. The details of the construction of Kinzua Bridge, the basis for the book’s title, are most intriguing. Having this local historical setting was an added interest for me. Thank you Kimberly Young for this thought-provoking story.
December 31, 2013
I am happy to join GoodReAds and excited to promote some of my favorite books. The Eigth Wonder is an eloquent love story that is full of reality. Well written novel by Dr. Kimberly Young.
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