This novella introduces the characters you will meet again in Emelle Gamble's full-length novel, Molly Harper, available now!
Duets offers alternating looks into the lives of two women who would seem to have little or nothing in common. Screen star Molly Harper has it all...beauty, success in her profession, a loving family and an upcoming marriage to actor Ben Delmonico. But as Molly is on the verge of marrying the man who has swept her off her feet, she still wonders if he hasn't swept all her feelings for her first love away, Cruz Morales.
A handsome and cerebral college professor, Molly and Cruz have an on-again, off-again history stretching back to Molly's early teen years. He's not a man who a girl can ever forget about, and his feelings for Molly are equally conflicted.
Anne Sullivan, happily married for twenty-five years, is fighting to hold onto the man she loves, and hold off a confrontation that could shatter her family's image of what they are. It involves the beautiful screen star and her mother, upper crust matron Norma Wintz, who Anne has traveled to California to meet under the most dramatic of circumstances.
Duets confronts the most intimate type of family secret that ties these two women's lives together, just as chance events turn Molly and Anne's worlds upside down.
Emelle Gamble was a writer at an early age, bursting with the requisite childhood stories of introspection which evolved into bad teen poetry and attempts at 'real literature' all copies of which she has since, very sensibly, shredded. She took her first stab at romantic fiction in an adult education writing class when her kids were in bed, taught by fellow writer Carolyn Haines, in Mobile, Alabama. As M.L. Gamble, she published several romantic suspense novels with Harlequin. She is now contracted with Soul Mate Publishing for Secret Sister, summer of 2013, and Dating Cary Grant, an early 2014 release.
Always intrigued by the words ‘what if’, Emelle’s books feature an ordinary woman confronted with an extraordinary situation. She most enjoys reading stories that surprise and amaze her, and hopes her readers will enjoy the challenging and exciting journeys her characters take.
Emelle lives in suburban Washington D.C. with her husband, Phil, her hero of thirty years, and two orange cats, Lucy and Bella. Her daughter, Olivia, and son, Allen, are happily launched on their own and contributing great things to society, which has always been their mother’s fondest wish.
Duets by Emelle Gamble is a 2014 Posh publishing release. Molly and Ben make a perfect couple. Ben is the superstar leading man in Hollywood and Molly's career is on the fast track. Being engaged to Ben will certainly give her career a boost. But, Molly isn't hundred percent certain Ben is the love of her life. Cruz Morales was her first love and best friend. She secretly hoped he would step up when he heard about her engagement and profess his undying love to her and beg her come back to him. Well, it doesn't quite work out that way. Meanwhile, Anne, is a woman dealing with her husband's cancer and rapidly declining health. As a result her husband has begun tightening up some loose ends in case he doens't win his fight with cancer. This could mean Anne will have to reveal a long kept secret to her two grown sons and open up a pain she has buried deep in her heart for many long years. But, something will have to be done because a young woman is out there with no idea she could be predisposed to a genetic illness and Anne must let her know about it. This novella sets the stage for the full length novel Molly Harper which will explore the impact of all these shocking secrets once they are revealed. Of course we will want to know what happens with Ben and Cruz as well and if Molly will achieve her career goals. This is a great introduction to the novel and I am so excited to find out what will happen with Molly. I'm sure this will be a very emotional story and one you won't want to miss. Overall this is an A.
This is only a novella which I downloaded along with its sequel many moons ago. However, I've not finished it as it has way too many mistakes and other reviewers haven't mentioned this important fact !! I read another book by her earlier in the year and that had mistakes, too, but nothing to the extent of this one. I gave that one 4* !! Firstly, we drop a word in "It was, but Molly knew better than to her guard down". Then a missing question mark, Twitter needs a capital letter and she does that awful thing Americans do of using horrible past tenses, like drug (dragged) and shined (shone) which makes it sound like a 6 year old's way of speaking. Then I wanted to translate a phrase in Spanish-"La Madre Sagranda" only to see THAT was misspelled as well and should've read sagrada !! It was quite peculiar that a wedding was announced, the date decided in 2 weeks' time, yet an engagement party is held a week after the wedding announcement. That is really strange. Though I got to the point where the engagement party is mentioned as being ten days ago when it was seven and I sighed very loudly and gave up.
Duets is the first chance I have had to read anything by Emelle Gamble. I am sure most of you know that fabulous feeling you get when you find a new author that just gets it right. That wonderful feeling of starting a new book by someone you haven't read before that catches you by the heart and grabs on tight. That is the feeling I felt when I started reading Duets.
Duets is a lovely introduction to the characters in Molly Harper. It gives a nice sense of the characters and their personalities before you get into the bigger story.
Molly Harper is a movie star that is really down to earth and loves her family and friends. I felt an instant connection to Molly. She is just getting her big start in Duets and her career has really just taken a major turn for the big time. Molly is one of those characters that is just so unique I couldn't help but love her.
Cruz Morales, Molly's childhood sweetheart is still her best friend. What I loved about Cruz is that he is always there for Molly. Molly and Cruz have this deep connection that nothing and no one can come between. I loved the relationship between these two. Even though they are no longer together they still love each other.
I loved the relationship between Molly and her mother Norma. Norma is one of those ladies that just might tell you what she thinks even if you really don't want to hear it. She loves her daughter and wants what is best for her. She is the type of mother that will support her daughter's choices.
Anne Sullivan and her husband are battling the Cancer that is slowly taking him away. I have to say I wondered what the connection was until the end of the story. Of course I'm not going to tell you yet what that is. I want you to have that breathless feeling that I had. I know the end of Duets took my breath away for a moment or two. I knew I needed to read Molly Harper right away! Lucky for me I have the book that includes Molly Harper. So I was able to start reading the rest of Molly Harper's story right away.
Oh I almost forgot to mention Ben, he is married to Molly. Well I didn't feel that deep connection with this guy, unless you count dislike. He just isn't want Molly needs in my opinion. Uh-oh I may be sounding a little like Norma there.
Over all I adored the characters, the storyline, and Emelle Gamble's writing voice. She has done a fabulous job of putting together an intriguing story with fun characters. My Review for Molly Harper will be next. So please be sure to look for it as well.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Duets.
Duets is novella which introduces the characters in the novel,Molly Harper. Molly Harper, the famous American actress is marrying actor Ben Delmonico. As she breaks the news to Cruz Morales, her on and off again ex-boyfriend, Cruz was not happy to hear the news. Both Molly and Cruz has been best friends and then lover. Both are stubborn.
Anne Sullivan is the biological mother who gave up Molly for adoption when she was 15 years old. Molly's biological family on the father's side refused to acknowledge her existence. Now that Molly's biological father has passed away with MS, Anne struggled with the decision of contacting Molly's adoptive parents to give that piece of medical information or to stay with her husband who is dying of cancer.
Molly Harper is a reflective of a strong and successful woman who has some insecurity in her life. Cruz has gave her the ultimatum of choosing him or her acting career. When Molly choose her acting career, Cruz ended the relationship and dated someone else.
Cruz has a bright future as a professor at an university but he is unwilling to compromise. He is protective but he is stubborn in wanting his way. Yet the only person, he really love is Molly.
Molly and Anne's worlds are about to collide. Anne has never told anyone except her husband Harry about giving up a baby when she was 15 years old. Now that the responsibility has fallen to her that Molly might have inherited the MS disease, she knew she would have to make contact with Molly sooner or later.
This is a very good introduction of background information of Molly and Anne's. I do recommend readers to read this novella before reading Molly Harper. There are information that would answer the readers' questions when they read Molly Harper. Of course Molly Harper can be read as a stand-alone but will leave readers questioning about some of the conflicts between the characters.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review. I was not compensated by the author for writing a review.
Duets is a story of two women who's lives are very different, but linked in an odd way that they don't even realize. Molly Harper is a beautiful, successful actress who is loved by everyone including her family, fiance, Ben and her lifelong friend, Cruz. Ben is a handsome actor, who isn't very likable and is very self-centered. He doesn't seem like a very good match for Molly. Molly's friend, Cruz, is the son of an employee of her well off family. They have had a romantic relationship in the past but Cruz was uncomfortable with Molly's dream of being a star and the lack of privacy that came with it so they broke up but remained friends all their lives. Just before her wedding, Molly is wondering if she has made the right decision about marrying Ben or should she be with Cruz?
Anne Sullivan is a home maker who lives on the other side of the country. She is trying to handle her husband's illness of cancer and is afraid of losing him. Molly and Anne getting to know each other begins when Anne gets a letter from someone from her past which gives her instructions to follow. This leads her to Molly.
Emelle Gamble is an amazing writer with a gift of being able to pull you into the story. I loved the characters in Duets. A look into Molly's life as an actress was so unlike my life that it was a fun adventure. Anne is a truly nice person who always thinks of others before herself.
I read Molly Harper before Duets but wish I had read them the other way around. Reading Duets (even out of order) helped fill in a couple of questions I had but I really recommend reading them in order. I highly recommend to read them both - you won't regret it.
Duets tells the story of two women who's lives are as different as night and day, separated by a continent but inextricably bound together. Molly Harper is a successful actress, beautiful and loved by her family, future husband, Ben and her childhood friend, Cruz. Ben is every woman's dream. A handsome, famous actor n his own right, Ben understands the pitfalls of being famous and supports Molly's dream of stardom. They fit each other and will have a successful marriage together. Cruz is the son of a family employee of Molly's rich family. They grew up together and, at one point, fell in love. Cruz was uncomfortable with Molly's dream of stardom and subsequent fame and all the trappings that went with it. Unable to give up her dream, she gave up Cruz...the lover not the friend. Now, on the cusp of her wedding, she is wondering, 'did she do the right thing?' On the other side of the country, Annie Sullivan, wife and mother, is struggling to come to terms with the catastrophic illness that is threatening the love of her life, her husband of 25 years. When the doctor's give them miraculous news she thinks their troubles are over. But, someone from her past has died and left instructions for her to follow that will bring the two women together and possibly alter both of their lives. Duets, by Emelle Gamble is a literary composition for two performers, Molly and Anne. This prequel has set the stage. I want to hear the rest of their song. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
I received a FREE copy of Duets in exchange for my unbiased review.
This was a captivating love triangle read! Duets is a short story which introduces the reader to the characters in Molly Harper, the book that follows. In Duets, we meet two women whose lives seem to be unrelated but, in reality, they are surprisingly linked. It was a bit confusing to me at first... but, if you are confused, don't stop reading... it will all come to make sense.
Molly Harper is a beautiful actress who is loved by everyone including her family, Ben, her fiance, and, Cruz, her ex-boyfriend and lifelong friend. Ben, the fiance, is a very successful actor who I didn't really care for. I felt that he was using Molly as their relationship makes for good publicity but Molly was also using Ben as being Ben's love interest has furthered her career also. I felt that they were both selling their souls to get ahead.
The real problem seems to be that Molly really doesn't love Ben. She still loves Cruz who is now engaged to someone else. But she and Cruz wanted different things out of life and they parted as friends. Molly just can't let it go... she wants it all... she wants Cruz and she wants her career with all the bells and whistles....
So... this is the setup for Molly Harper. It's quite engaging to read their stories and how they are all related and how their actions influence their statuses.
"Duets (Once and Forever 0.5)" by Emelle Gamble is the prequel novella for her "Molly Harper" novel. It introduces readers to the key players from the novel, including Molly herself, Ben Delmonico, Cruz Morales, Norma Wintz, and Anne Sullivan. It sets up the story and plotlines for the subsequent novel.
It is a quick read, taking between 1-2 hours, making it ideal for passing time between classes, on lunch breaks, etc. Ms. Gamble's writing style is clear, engrossing and entertaining. The characters are remarkably well-developed and the novella does a good job of generating interest in "Molly Harper". Most of the characters are likable but not without their flaws, making them more realistic.
Overall, I would rate this novella about 4.5. It is an interesting read on its own and accomplishes its mission of setting up for and generating interest in the "Molly Harper" novel. I would recommend it to Emelle Gamble fans, short story lovers and those wanting to learn more about Molly Harper.
I received a FREE copy of Duets from a Emelle Gamble in exchange for my honest review.
So, I started this for my usual "one chapter before bed" and wound-up reading it straight through. It's wonderful. I couldn't put it down, and the only thing keeping me from tears was know there was a second book! It's a very believable story of love, and how life sometimes interferes with it.
There's the traditional love story going on, but they get sidelined by themselves; where we forget to keep our mouths shut about the little things and don't open it enough about the big things. I honestly felt like I was holding my breath at the end, waiting for the "happily ever after" and was slammed with a surprise ending that left me yelling "Wait! No!" to an empty room....
Go get this today. Don't wait, and don't forget to get "Molly Harper" when you're done! Brava, Emelle! Brava!
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down!!! I finished reading it in an hr & a half lol. The book didn't turn out at all like I expected, & I didn't mind one bit! I loved all the characters in this book & I was conflicted on whom I wanted Molly to end up with!! This was a great story & I can't wait to start reading the next book to find out whatelse happens!! Great Job Emelle!! Now on to start reading Molly Harper! =)
"Duets" is a prequel novella. It takes place several years before "Molly Harper". The reader meets the famous film star Mollly Parker and her beloved Cruz. Molly is going to get married with Ben, another movie star, but she`s full of doubts. We meet her family and friends, and know about her everlasting love for Cruz. It's a really short book and some characters are a bit schematic, but it really makes an impression and leaves the reader willing to read "Molly Harper".
Anytime a "movie star" is in the mix you are never sure what type of story, will they be flighty, nasty, too good for everyone? Molly is a good person who is involved with Ben which most people don't care for and she gets involved with her first love. Anne is also a good person who struggles with her marriage and now a secret that could harm relationships. It is a good story and we are able to look into different lives that aren't so different actually.
I did enjoy it, but I felt it sort of ended abruptly. Unfortunately I didn't look at the synopsis prior to reading Molly Harper or I would have realized this one actually came before. It was nice to see how some of the things I read about in Molly Harper played out intially though. So all in all a pretty good book.
Wow- a lot of things were jam packed into this short story! Molly is an actress who is getting married to her co-star and actor Ben. Some things happen that send Molly's head spinning wondering what she should do. Another story is happening in the background, laying a foundation for Molly's past. I can't wait to read the next story and see what happens!
want Cruz, lots of Cruz! I'm feeling so sad that the book ended. I'd just become engrossed in Molly's life & dilemma when her story ended. I want more! I want the truth about Ben & I want Cruz, lots of Cruz. So now I'm driven to read another book today before I can rest. Such is the life of a book-a-holic. So now I'll read Molly Harper & hope my thirst for Cruz is quenched!
I have a thing about unfinished endings. This story gives us an unexpected ending and the ability to have more of there story. I was a little confused about the other couple in Maryland appearing until the revealing facts were said. Can't wait to find out what happens.
My first Emelle Gamble book and oh, I can't wait to read the next installment. A great read with a well written story. When you catch youself telling the characters what to do, you know you've got a good book. Now if they would only listen to my advice.
I would not recommend Duets to anyone unless you were planning to read Molly Harper. It's a short set up to introduce you to the characters and situations in that book. That being said, it was a quick, well written read.
Duets was my first introduction to Emelle Gamble's writing. I must say that it is very good. The realism Ms. Gamble brings to the table in this prequel to Molly Harper tugs at your heart strings. I definitely recommend it!