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The Assignment
American travel journalist Sophie Matthews is searching for that elusive place called home. Working for Constar Communications has allowed her to see the world and experience different cultures, but the nomadic lifestyle has not enabled her to have much of a personal life. As she approaches her fortieth birthday, Sophie’s priorities shift and she decides to quit her job to pursue a different dream—meeting a man, settling down, and starting a family. Her boss, Greg Sullivan, has one request—that Sophie complete her last assignment featuring the life of artist/writer Marina Suarez. During World War II, Marina’s entire village was captured by Japanese soldiers leaving Marina as the sole survivor. How she was able to survive the slaughter of her village and family remains a mystery. Sophie is intrigued by the assignment, but hesitant to return to the Philippines, which left her with a broken heart ten years ago at the hands of Eric Santiago, the only man she has ever loved. As fate would have it, Sophie soon finds herself in the busy streets of Manila and crosses paths with Eric Santiago once again. As Sophie tries to unravel the mystery of Marina’s life, she learns that Eric is the only one who can help her put the pieces together. But when she discovers Marina’s deep, dark secret, little does Sophie know that it will change her life forever.
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First published May 24, 2012
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About the author
Geraldine Solon
30 books30 followersGeraldine Solon is an international bestselling and award-winning author of thirteen novels and a marketing guidebook for authors. Her books made it to the overall top 25 of Amazon’s bestseller list, qualifying her as one of the most read authors with the most read titles. Geraldine’s books have been translated into 7 languages and featured in various magazines and print, including Glamour UK, The San Francisco Examiner, House of Coco, etc. She has appeared in TV shows such as King 5, The Heart of Silicon Valley, and KTSF. Aside from writing novels, Geraldine also writes screenplays, product descriptions, resumes, book summaries, book descriptions, blogs, and magazine articles. She speaks at writing conferences, teaches writing workshops, provides ghostwriting, developmental, and copyediting services for various clients. Geraldine worked for ten years at Stanford University and served as Treasurer, Event Coordinator, and Vice President for the Fremont Area Writers Club. As an advocate to promote literacy, Geraldine has opened four mini libraries in the Philippines and plans to establish more all over the country.
https://geraldinesolon.com/
https://geraldinesolon.com/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 23, 2021
`A story of love, betrayal and forgiveness'
Another `Tour de Force' from Geraldine, which she places firmly in the genre of women's fiction, although I would also class this as an exceptional romance, which transcends time and generations.
I don't know just how much say that Geraldine has in assigning the title and cover art to her books, however I felt that the working title of `The Assignment', was competently and cleverly crafted into the storyline and the cover art was completely relevant to the storyline and captivatingly alluring.
Given that `The Assignment' centres the majority of its action, in Geraldine's home country of The Philippines, it is not difficult to see where some of the obvious enthusiasm, inherent pride, genuine love and intimate knowledge of the country and its troubled history, originates from ... it is there, laid bare for all to see, in her evocative and descriptive writing and heart-rending storyline.
Geraldine introduced many Filipino words into her authentic narrative, which had me reaching for my dictionary. However, I need not have worried, as she then expertly and almost without pause, worked easy to understand definitions of these words, into the text, leaving me the most minor use of said dictionary, for the scant few words which needed translation.
I also wondered just exactly what inspired Geraldine in her choice of timeline and the era of the late 1980′s, in which the opening story was set. However once again, there was clever use of the underlying secondary storyline, which clearly had its roots well and truly planted in the 1940′s terrors of the country's wartime invasion and occupation by the Japanese. The horrors of the conflict are there, brutal in their enforcement, yet somehow described by Geraldine, with immense compassion for the feelings of her fellow Filipinos, who still today must so vividly remember past events. This contrasted so sharply with lush descriptions of the intrinsic beauty of the country and its inherently optimistic and happy people, as we switch back and forth in the timeline. The plot has many facets, twists and turns, yet all the time calling on the human spirit, to guide it in the right direction.
The characters, including the secondary cast, are all solidly portrayed, with the chemistry and various dynamics between them being well written and defined and their individual complexities and relationships, skillfully laid bare for all to see.
Sophie has always considered herself to be strong and independent. After losing her parents at a young age and then as a self-assured young woman, having suffered such emotional anguish at the hands of the only man she has ever truly loved and who she thought loved her in return, she has built a defensive wall around herself, keeping herself distanced from any strong emotional attachments and living her life through her extraordinary career. She thinks she has everything under control, but in reality the cracks are beginning to show and when a truth is revealed to her, which shatters the very fabric of her entire life and questions everything and everyone in whom she has ever believed, her world begins to crumble at an alarming rate, leaving her desolate and reeling. When Sophie finally discovers the true extent of past deceptions, she needs to find vast reserves of inner strength and courage to rebuild her life and start again as someone new, learning to trust and love, respect and forgive and move froward with a new inner peace and serenity. The last page of this chapter in her life has to close with the completion of her most personal and triumphant assignment, leaving a new and empty page, just waiting to be started!
Eric, is Sophie's nemesis. His unrevealed secret, which had torn them apart once, can now be revealed, but is Sophie in the mood to hear him out? Eric is a loyal, trusting and trustworthy person, but when he was asked to perform one last act of kindness and devotion, he felt that his disloyalty would be more than he could bear, so was unable to bring himself to complete the promise and Sophie became the casulty. His problem now is that he has a second secret, or at least he suspects he has, although he is aware that even he has not been entrusted fully with all the details. Once again, his sense of loyalty is stopping him from revealing what little information he knows and once again Sophie is the one to suffer. He is desperate that Sophie should understand his motives and reasoning, whilst he is aware that the knowledge he guards, will surely devastate the lives of more than one of the people he loves more than life itself.
Marina is undoubtedly the most tragic of all the main protagonists. She has a secret, which she has held only to herself, locked within her heart, for over forty years, which she lives with on a daily basis and which is slowly eating her alive, leaving her bitter, resentful and lonely. She has never actually been `alone', but has enjoyed the love of a good and kind man, has given birth to and raised two fine children and has lived in a relative lap of luxury ... Now, the man who adored her has died and she has managed to drive a wedge between herself and her children, leaving her life-long members of staff and Eric, her only true friends. Now, even her memories are on the verge of exposure, as the American media get wind of her painful past and have sent one of their top investigative journalists to interview her. Nothing can prepare her for the emotional pain and turmoil she is subjected to and only death itself looks to be her saviour ... However, life isn't done with her yet, her strength and determination overcomes yet more adversity and self denial, until the floodgates are opened and the memories, unlocked and released, come pouring out. Only now, and not since she was a small child, does Marina really knows what it is to be free and given a second chance at life, to love deeply, truly, openly and freely and to be loved unconditionally in return, by someone who cherishes her for who she is and not as a panacea for something someone else is lacking in their own lives.
This is the story of three incredible journeys, born by three people's stoic beliefs in grim determination and second chances
This is definitely Geraldine's most engaging, encompassing and enlightening book to date.
Another `Tour de Force' from Geraldine, which she places firmly in the genre of women's fiction, although I would also class this as an exceptional romance, which transcends time and generations.
I don't know just how much say that Geraldine has in assigning the title and cover art to her books, however I felt that the working title of `The Assignment', was competently and cleverly crafted into the storyline and the cover art was completely relevant to the storyline and captivatingly alluring.
Given that `The Assignment' centres the majority of its action, in Geraldine's home country of The Philippines, it is not difficult to see where some of the obvious enthusiasm, inherent pride, genuine love and intimate knowledge of the country and its troubled history, originates from ... it is there, laid bare for all to see, in her evocative and descriptive writing and heart-rending storyline.
Geraldine introduced many Filipino words into her authentic narrative, which had me reaching for my dictionary. However, I need not have worried, as she then expertly and almost without pause, worked easy to understand definitions of these words, into the text, leaving me the most minor use of said dictionary, for the scant few words which needed translation.
I also wondered just exactly what inspired Geraldine in her choice of timeline and the era of the late 1980′s, in which the opening story was set. However once again, there was clever use of the underlying secondary storyline, which clearly had its roots well and truly planted in the 1940′s terrors of the country's wartime invasion and occupation by the Japanese. The horrors of the conflict are there, brutal in their enforcement, yet somehow described by Geraldine, with immense compassion for the feelings of her fellow Filipinos, who still today must so vividly remember past events. This contrasted so sharply with lush descriptions of the intrinsic beauty of the country and its inherently optimistic and happy people, as we switch back and forth in the timeline. The plot has many facets, twists and turns, yet all the time calling on the human spirit, to guide it in the right direction.
The characters, including the secondary cast, are all solidly portrayed, with the chemistry and various dynamics between them being well written and defined and their individual complexities and relationships, skillfully laid bare for all to see.
Sophie has always considered herself to be strong and independent. After losing her parents at a young age and then as a self-assured young woman, having suffered such emotional anguish at the hands of the only man she has ever truly loved and who she thought loved her in return, she has built a defensive wall around herself, keeping herself distanced from any strong emotional attachments and living her life through her extraordinary career. She thinks she has everything under control, but in reality the cracks are beginning to show and when a truth is revealed to her, which shatters the very fabric of her entire life and questions everything and everyone in whom she has ever believed, her world begins to crumble at an alarming rate, leaving her desolate and reeling. When Sophie finally discovers the true extent of past deceptions, she needs to find vast reserves of inner strength and courage to rebuild her life and start again as someone new, learning to trust and love, respect and forgive and move froward with a new inner peace and serenity. The last page of this chapter in her life has to close with the completion of her most personal and triumphant assignment, leaving a new and empty page, just waiting to be started!
Eric, is Sophie's nemesis. His unrevealed secret, which had torn them apart once, can now be revealed, but is Sophie in the mood to hear him out? Eric is a loyal, trusting and trustworthy person, but when he was asked to perform one last act of kindness and devotion, he felt that his disloyalty would be more than he could bear, so was unable to bring himself to complete the promise and Sophie became the casulty. His problem now is that he has a second secret, or at least he suspects he has, although he is aware that even he has not been entrusted fully with all the details. Once again, his sense of loyalty is stopping him from revealing what little information he knows and once again Sophie is the one to suffer. He is desperate that Sophie should understand his motives and reasoning, whilst he is aware that the knowledge he guards, will surely devastate the lives of more than one of the people he loves more than life itself.
Marina is undoubtedly the most tragic of all the main protagonists. She has a secret, which she has held only to herself, locked within her heart, for over forty years, which she lives with on a daily basis and which is slowly eating her alive, leaving her bitter, resentful and lonely. She has never actually been `alone', but has enjoyed the love of a good and kind man, has given birth to and raised two fine children and has lived in a relative lap of luxury ... Now, the man who adored her has died and she has managed to drive a wedge between herself and her children, leaving her life-long members of staff and Eric, her only true friends. Now, even her memories are on the verge of exposure, as the American media get wind of her painful past and have sent one of their top investigative journalists to interview her. Nothing can prepare her for the emotional pain and turmoil she is subjected to and only death itself looks to be her saviour ... However, life isn't done with her yet, her strength and determination overcomes yet more adversity and self denial, until the floodgates are opened and the memories, unlocked and released, come pouring out. Only now, and not since she was a small child, does Marina really knows what it is to be free and given a second chance at life, to love deeply, truly, openly and freely and to be loved unconditionally in return, by someone who cherishes her for who she is and not as a panacea for something someone else is lacking in their own lives.
This is the story of three incredible journeys, born by three people's stoic beliefs in grim determination and second chances
This is definitely Geraldine's most engaging, encompassing and enlightening book to date.
July 27, 2012
I enjoyed this book on so many levels.
I enjoyed the apparent intimacy that Solon has with the Philippines, making me feel that her descriptions of the country, the people and the culture were accurately portrayed and that I could believe that they were a true reflection of the culture. I appreciated the history that she wove into the story, portraying the pain of an actual event in history for the people and the devastation to the country during WW II.
Sophie Mathews and Eric Santiago's relationship was touching and drew me in from the very beginning. Sophie did not want to accept this one last assignment to the Philippines, but her boss insisted and she went with reluctance and trepidation. She loved the country, but she did not want to see Eric again. She had met him ten years earlier when she had been there on another project. They had fallen in love, but Eric had kept a secret that had torn them apart and she had left feeling hurt and betrayed. However,once she meets Marina Suarez who is the focus of her assignment, she senses that there is a big story surrounding her. Her journalist fervor, her spunk and unflagging determination drives her to discover what Marina's dark secret is. It is inevitable that Eric and Sophie meet. He still loves her and he does not want to lose her again, but he is caught between his feeling for Sophie and his loyalty to Marina, his long time friend. He knows much of Marina's secret and he keeps it, even though it could threaten his new beginning with Sophie.
I treasured Marina Suarez' story; so unlikely, so tragic and so real. It showed her strength and determination, her endurance, her love, her pain and grief, her acceptance, moving on with her life but never forsaking the undying love that she harboured in her heart.
The climax of the story was a real heart tugger and the ending was so fitting. The characters became very real to me and I felt their emotions. There were two heroines in this book for me: Sophie and Marina.
It is a story of incredible characters,love, pain and loss, deep grief, determination and second chances. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a heart touching read with many twists and turns. I wasn't disappointed. I don't think you will be!
I enjoyed the apparent intimacy that Solon has with the Philippines, making me feel that her descriptions of the country, the people and the culture were accurately portrayed and that I could believe that they were a true reflection of the culture. I appreciated the history that she wove into the story, portraying the pain of an actual event in history for the people and the devastation to the country during WW II.
Sophie Mathews and Eric Santiago's relationship was touching and drew me in from the very beginning. Sophie did not want to accept this one last assignment to the Philippines, but her boss insisted and she went with reluctance and trepidation. She loved the country, but she did not want to see Eric again. She had met him ten years earlier when she had been there on another project. They had fallen in love, but Eric had kept a secret that had torn them apart and she had left feeling hurt and betrayed. However,once she meets Marina Suarez who is the focus of her assignment, she senses that there is a big story surrounding her. Her journalist fervor, her spunk and unflagging determination drives her to discover what Marina's dark secret is. It is inevitable that Eric and Sophie meet. He still loves her and he does not want to lose her again, but he is caught between his feeling for Sophie and his loyalty to Marina, his long time friend. He knows much of Marina's secret and he keeps it, even though it could threaten his new beginning with Sophie.
I treasured Marina Suarez' story; so unlikely, so tragic and so real. It showed her strength and determination, her endurance, her love, her pain and grief, her acceptance, moving on with her life but never forsaking the undying love that she harboured in her heart.
The climax of the story was a real heart tugger and the ending was so fitting. The characters became very real to me and I felt their emotions. There were two heroines in this book for me: Sophie and Marina.
It is a story of incredible characters,love, pain and loss, deep grief, determination and second chances. This is a great read for anyone who enjoys a heart touching read with many twists and turns. I wasn't disappointed. I don't think you will be!
May 14, 2013
Sophie’s journalism career’s going great. Her show, The Assignment, stands at number one. But being a bachelorette at forty is taking a toll on her and it’s time for change. Now Sophie’s off on one final trip to the Philippines, where protestors wave signs against President Marcos and children beg in the streets, and where she once was loved.
Fascinating details provide a vivid background of contrasts to this tale. Fabulous houses and wondrous meals offer luxury in a world where children live on the streets and maids sleep on the floor. The slightly formal dialog evokes speaking and being understood in a foreign land, while words in the Tagalog language, naturally included, add a deeper authenticity. Filipino virtues of sharing and loyalty are contrasted intriguingly with America’s love of privacy and independence. Meanwhile Sophie has mysteries to solve while broken hearts wait to be restored.
The life of poor villagers in Bataan comes to life as the past tells its tale. A young girl dreams of being rich or, failing that, at least eating dinner, while her mother condemns her disobedience and a kind priest promises hope. In the present Sophie seeks information for her documentary. In the past, Japan invades and lives are as lost as the story is hidden.
Passionate lovemaking shares the stage with a military coup, both told in careful detail. Faith and fate combine to ease the lot of the street children and solve the mysteries of the past. And the whole is a delightful story of love and mystery and hope. There are occasional distractions (Axis of Evil for Axis in WWII), but not sufficient to spoil a beautiful story which builds to a breathtaking conclusion.
Disclosure: How can it have taken me almost a year to get to this? I was given an ecopy by the author and my read-and-review backlog swamped me.
Fascinating details provide a vivid background of contrasts to this tale. Fabulous houses and wondrous meals offer luxury in a world where children live on the streets and maids sleep on the floor. The slightly formal dialog evokes speaking and being understood in a foreign land, while words in the Tagalog language, naturally included, add a deeper authenticity. Filipino virtues of sharing and loyalty are contrasted intriguingly with America’s love of privacy and independence. Meanwhile Sophie has mysteries to solve while broken hearts wait to be restored.
The life of poor villagers in Bataan comes to life as the past tells its tale. A young girl dreams of being rich or, failing that, at least eating dinner, while her mother condemns her disobedience and a kind priest promises hope. In the present Sophie seeks information for her documentary. In the past, Japan invades and lives are as lost as the story is hidden.
Passionate lovemaking shares the stage with a military coup, both told in careful detail. Faith and fate combine to ease the lot of the street children and solve the mysteries of the past. And the whole is a delightful story of love and mystery and hope. There are occasional distractions (Axis of Evil for Axis in WWII), but not sufficient to spoil a beautiful story which builds to a breathtaking conclusion.
Disclosure: How can it have taken me almost a year to get to this? I was given an ecopy by the author and my read-and-review backlog swamped me.
January 20, 2013
I enjoyed this book though it was a bit predictable. You just knew Sophia and Eric would end up together happily ever after. At 40, you'd have thought she'd have figured out what she wanted.
I did appreciate the authors knowledge about the Filipino culture. When I lived in Hawaii, all my Filipino friends were like that---food, friendliness, sleeping on the mat, etc. I found a mat in a second hand store in Hilo, HI and put it on the floor of my book nook at school. Several of the students let me know that is what they slept on at home. Their extended family would lay them in the one big room and they would all lay down to sleep. In the morning they would fold or roll them up so the room could be used.
The WWII aspect of the story is what kept me reading. I didn't know what had happened in the church and I kept reading to find out. I wonder how easy it would have been to keep a Japanese man on the island afterwards.
It had a good them and message.
I did appreciate the authors knowledge about the Filipino culture. When I lived in Hawaii, all my Filipino friends were like that---food, friendliness, sleeping on the mat, etc. I found a mat in a second hand store in Hilo, HI and put it on the floor of my book nook at school. Several of the students let me know that is what they slept on at home. Their extended family would lay them in the one big room and they would all lay down to sleep. In the morning they would fold or roll them up so the room could be used.
The WWII aspect of the story is what kept me reading. I didn't know what had happened in the church and I kept reading to find out. I wonder how easy it would have been to keep a Japanese man on the island afterwards.
It had a good them and message.
July 28, 2017
The Assignment is not the average bodice-ripping, flowery romance novel. Rather it is a touching love story that manages to tell the story of not one, but two couples, who battle life issues so that they can be together. The author doesn’t use sex to draw the reader in but instead creates a story that intertwines all of the characters into one story. The two couples, Sophie and Eric, Marina and Yakoda, have parallel love stories although one is set in the 40s during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines and the other one is set in the 80s. The setting for both is very richly written by Ms. Solon and it shows the great knowledge and love for the Filipino culture that she so obviously has. I loved the inside look at the food of this land and how family plays such an important part of their everyday life. I learned more about this world from this book than I ever thought I would learn from reading a romance. There’s also quite a bit written about the political unrest in the Philippines during the 80s. It’s not a historical text by any means but it is quite factual and makes for very interesting reading. It was really nice to read a romance that wasn’t just a load of flowery prose and “fluffy” characters.
The characters are very well written and each had multifaceted personalities. Marina, for me, was the most interesting and showed the most realism. Her story, set in the 40s, was by far my favourite of the two love stories. The way Marina and Yakoda met and the tragedy of their story really tugs at your heart strings. The beauty of Ms. Solon’s writing really makes the reader experience the fear that Marina and her family must have felt during the occupation and the fact that she still found love is made believable by the author’s talent at story telling.
Sophie is the main character and the hinted at secret that is eventually revealed in the end is actually quite easily guessed long before the reveal. There are a few hints throughout the book and I don’t know whether they were planted on purpose or just coincidence but when you look back you realize it was very obvious.
This is a sweet love story that turned out to be much better than I originally thought. It is a very good way to spend a summer afternoon. The cover is attractive but I have to admit that it was the title that drew me to the book. I read it on my ereader and it formatted well.
The characters are very well written and each had multifaceted personalities. Marina, for me, was the most interesting and showed the most realism. Her story, set in the 40s, was by far my favourite of the two love stories. The way Marina and Yakoda met and the tragedy of their story really tugs at your heart strings. The beauty of Ms. Solon’s writing really makes the reader experience the fear that Marina and her family must have felt during the occupation and the fact that she still found love is made believable by the author’s talent at story telling.
Sophie is the main character and the hinted at secret that is eventually revealed in the end is actually quite easily guessed long before the reveal. There are a few hints throughout the book and I don’t know whether they were planted on purpose or just coincidence but when you look back you realize it was very obvious.
This is a sweet love story that turned out to be much better than I originally thought. It is a very good way to spend a summer afternoon. The cover is attractive but I have to admit that it was the title that drew me to the book. I read it on my ereader and it formatted well.
February 25, 2013
A wonderfully engrossing family saga, The Assignment covers two spans of Philippine history, the Japanese Occupation during World War II and the events surrounding Corazon Aquino's People Power Revolution.
The dual story lines are woven together seamlessly as documentary journalist Sophie Matthews takes an assignment to return to Manila to interview World War II survivor Marina Suarez. A series of happy coincidences result in Sophie meeting with the man who she fell in love with on her last assignment as well as a friendly housemaid who takes her under her wing and treats her to delicious food and family history.
Initially Marina Suarez refuses to speak to Sophie, but as Sophie digs deeper and deeper into Marina's history, she becomes more and more entangled both with heart-throb Eric Santiago, a love song singer, and her own murky past as an adopted child.
The storyline was predictable but delightful. This author foreshadows frequently and gives plenty of explanation, backing up each character's thoughts and actions with documentary evidence and commentary by other characters. The characters themselves are also honest reporters of their own feelings and dialogue is straightforward without subtexting.
Therefore, the joy of the story was not trying to match wits with the author to figure out the mystery, but to enjoy the journey the characters take to discover themselves and their loved ones.
The character I most connected with was Marina Suarez. She was a strong willed woman who was talented and outspoken and had suffered unimaginable loss. Even though her story is told indirectly in flashbacks and memoir, the process that Sophie Matthews takes to discover it was fascinating, as each layer is unpeeled. The power of lasting love to transcend misery, abandonment, and betrayal ended the story happily, with the wonderful twist that everyone is reunited with their loved ones and appreciated each precious moment together. A heartwarming story as comforting as a mug of Filipino hot tsokolate.
A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.
Solon, Geraldine (2012-05-24). The Assignment (p. 371). . Kindle Edition.
The dual story lines are woven together seamlessly as documentary journalist Sophie Matthews takes an assignment to return to Manila to interview World War II survivor Marina Suarez. A series of happy coincidences result in Sophie meeting with the man who she fell in love with on her last assignment as well as a friendly housemaid who takes her under her wing and treats her to delicious food and family history.
Initially Marina Suarez refuses to speak to Sophie, but as Sophie digs deeper and deeper into Marina's history, she becomes more and more entangled both with heart-throb Eric Santiago, a love song singer, and her own murky past as an adopted child.
The storyline was predictable but delightful. This author foreshadows frequently and gives plenty of explanation, backing up each character's thoughts and actions with documentary evidence and commentary by other characters. The characters themselves are also honest reporters of their own feelings and dialogue is straightforward without subtexting.
Therefore, the joy of the story was not trying to match wits with the author to figure out the mystery, but to enjoy the journey the characters take to discover themselves and their loved ones.
The character I most connected with was Marina Suarez. She was a strong willed woman who was talented and outspoken and had suffered unimaginable loss. Even though her story is told indirectly in flashbacks and memoir, the process that Sophie Matthews takes to discover it was fascinating, as each layer is unpeeled. The power of lasting love to transcend misery, abandonment, and betrayal ended the story happily, with the wonderful twist that everyone is reunited with their loved ones and appreciated each precious moment together. A heartwarming story as comforting as a mug of Filipino hot tsokolate.
A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.
Solon, Geraldine (2012-05-24). The Assignment (p. 371). . Kindle Edition.
January 23, 2013
Reviewed by: JoAnne
Book provided by: Author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the third novel I’ve read by Solon and after the very first one I read which I had added to my TBR (to be read) pile. Once again, I was not disappointed as each book involves romance but each premise is totally unique.
The Assignment is a feel good story that has lots of darkness to it as well. It is a historical romance set mostly in the Philippines. Sophie’s job sends her back there, after leaving 10 years before, for one last assignment as a journalist before she retires. Little did she know how her life would be changed in so many ways by her return from friends she left behind and new family and friends she is about to meet up with. All of the characters had many layers to them that were peeled back little by little to show us their true selves. They were so well developed I felt I knew them by the time I turned the last page, although I didn’t want the book to end. There was nice closure to the story but I still wanted more.
There were several romances depicted along with the happily ever afters that I was rooting for and unexpected ones as well. There was also a few laugh out loud moments as well as sorrow, tears, disbelief, angst and hardships in their lives before, during and after the war with the Japanese invasion. The book moved effortlessly between the past and the present which was a better way to tell the story than just chronologically. The descriptions of the lands, the living conditions, the hardness of their lives, the war and the homes made the story come to life. It was very easy to visualize myself being there.
Once again, Solon has blown me away with her storytelling. I can’t to see what story she’ll be telling us next. If you haven’t given her books a try, you should. You won’t be sorry and will probably be adding her to your TBR pile just as I have.
Book provided by: Author
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is the third novel I’ve read by Solon and after the very first one I read which I had added to my TBR (to be read) pile. Once again, I was not disappointed as each book involves romance but each premise is totally unique.
The Assignment is a feel good story that has lots of darkness to it as well. It is a historical romance set mostly in the Philippines. Sophie’s job sends her back there, after leaving 10 years before, for one last assignment as a journalist before she retires. Little did she know how her life would be changed in so many ways by her return from friends she left behind and new family and friends she is about to meet up with. All of the characters had many layers to them that were peeled back little by little to show us their true selves. They were so well developed I felt I knew them by the time I turned the last page, although I didn’t want the book to end. There was nice closure to the story but I still wanted more.
There were several romances depicted along with the happily ever afters that I was rooting for and unexpected ones as well. There was also a few laugh out loud moments as well as sorrow, tears, disbelief, angst and hardships in their lives before, during and after the war with the Japanese invasion. The book moved effortlessly between the past and the present which was a better way to tell the story than just chronologically. The descriptions of the lands, the living conditions, the hardness of their lives, the war and the homes made the story come to life. It was very easy to visualize myself being there.
Once again, Solon has blown me away with her storytelling. I can’t to see what story she’ll be telling us next. If you haven’t given her books a try, you should. You won’t be sorry and will probably be adding her to your TBR pile just as I have.
December 1, 2012
Do you believe in second chances? Do you believe in forgiveness? What about Love?
The Assignment is one of those books that grab you from the start. With a beautiful cover that really catches the eye and makes you want more about the story this is a book for all the romance lovers.
Geraldine introduces us to Sophie’s life, a journalist in her last assignment. Before retiring from her job her boss send her to the Philippines. A place where she has been before 10 years ago. Afraid of returning to the place where she found love but also where her heart broke, she decided to give it a chance.
This is a story about forgive the past and those you love. Sophie has to learn that there’s always more than once side of the story and you have to dig to know the whole truth. You shouldn’t just get mad and runaway -you need to give people a chance to explain their actions and decisions.
The story unfolds at two different moments and one of those is before and during the World War II. I can’t imagine how hard must be write about a time of suffering and lost, however, Geraldine makes a wonderful transmitting all the feelings and creating a place that feels real and so close. The past touches the lives of the characters in their present time (during the ‘80s) and it faces them to secrets, forbidden love and tragedy.
The Assignment has two strong women who had a rough life but overcoming everything that life got in their way ended up being an inspiration and two amazing humans being. There’s also a strong male character in the skin of Eric, a handsome, honest man. All of them are the perfect cast for a great love story.
Overall is a beautiful book, with great characters, lovely setting and a writing that really touches your heart allowing you to feel close to the country and the characters.
(I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review).
The Assignment is one of those books that grab you from the start. With a beautiful cover that really catches the eye and makes you want more about the story this is a book for all the romance lovers.
Geraldine introduces us to Sophie’s life, a journalist in her last assignment. Before retiring from her job her boss send her to the Philippines. A place where she has been before 10 years ago. Afraid of returning to the place where she found love but also where her heart broke, she decided to give it a chance.
This is a story about forgive the past and those you love. Sophie has to learn that there’s always more than once side of the story and you have to dig to know the whole truth. You shouldn’t just get mad and runaway -you need to give people a chance to explain their actions and decisions.
The story unfolds at two different moments and one of those is before and during the World War II. I can’t imagine how hard must be write about a time of suffering and lost, however, Geraldine makes a wonderful transmitting all the feelings and creating a place that feels real and so close. The past touches the lives of the characters in their present time (during the ‘80s) and it faces them to secrets, forbidden love and tragedy.
The Assignment has two strong women who had a rough life but overcoming everything that life got in their way ended up being an inspiration and two amazing humans being. There’s also a strong male character in the skin of Eric, a handsome, honest man. All of them are the perfect cast for a great love story.
Overall is a beautiful book, with great characters, lovely setting and a writing that really touches your heart allowing you to feel close to the country and the characters.
(I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review).
September 29, 2019
My review originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com is below:
This is the third novel I’ve read by Solon and after the very first one I read which I had added to my TBR (to be read) pile. Once again, I was not disappointed as each book involves romance but each premise is totally unique.
The Assignment is a feel good story that has lots of darkness to it as well. It is a historical romance set mostly in the Philippines. Sophie’s job sends her back there, after leaving 10 years before, for one last assignment as a journalist before she retires. Little did she know how her life would be changed in so many ways by her return from friends she left behind and new family and friends she is about to meet up with. All of the characters had many layers to them that were peeled back little by little to show us their true selves. They were so well developed I felt I knew them by the time I turned the last page, although I didn’t want the book to end. There was nice closure to the story but I still wanted more.
There were several romances depicted along with the happily ever afters that I was rooting for and unexpected ones as well. There was also a few laugh out loud moments as well as sorrow, tears, disbelief, angst and hardships in their lives before, during and after the war with the Japanese invasion. The book moved effortlessly between the past and the present which was a better way to tell the story than just chronologically. The descriptions of the lands, the living conditions, the hardness of their lives, the war and the homes made the story come to life. It was very easy to visualize myself being there.
Once again, Solon has blown me away with her storytelling. I can’t to see what story she’ll be telling us next. If you haven’t given her books a try, you should. You won’t be sorry and will probably be adding her to your TBR pile just as I have.
This is the third novel I’ve read by Solon and after the very first one I read which I had added to my TBR (to be read) pile. Once again, I was not disappointed as each book involves romance but each premise is totally unique.
The Assignment is a feel good story that has lots of darkness to it as well. It is a historical romance set mostly in the Philippines. Sophie’s job sends her back there, after leaving 10 years before, for one last assignment as a journalist before she retires. Little did she know how her life would be changed in so many ways by her return from friends she left behind and new family and friends she is about to meet up with. All of the characters had many layers to them that were peeled back little by little to show us their true selves. They were so well developed I felt I knew them by the time I turned the last page, although I didn’t want the book to end. There was nice closure to the story but I still wanted more.
There were several romances depicted along with the happily ever afters that I was rooting for and unexpected ones as well. There was also a few laugh out loud moments as well as sorrow, tears, disbelief, angst and hardships in their lives before, during and after the war with the Japanese invasion. The book moved effortlessly between the past and the present which was a better way to tell the story than just chronologically. The descriptions of the lands, the living conditions, the hardness of their lives, the war and the homes made the story come to life. It was very easy to visualize myself being there.
Once again, Solon has blown me away with her storytelling. I can’t to see what story she’ll be telling us next. If you haven’t given her books a try, you should. You won’t be sorry and will probably be adding her to your TBR pile just as I have.
February 25, 2013
This was a mystery romance that was all about love and survival. While it focused mainly on the present day investigation, there were flashbacks to Marina’s life growing up.
What really stood out was the author’s passion about the Philippines. The people, history and culture were shown with utmost respect and love. Even more than the actual storyline, the setting was the star of the book.
I loved the mystery element to Sophie’s investigation and how she set out to learn about Marina without actually speaking to her. I was amazed at how much she learned this way. It highlighted how much each person’s life affects those around them. If you take the time to learn those pieces, if will give you a better sense of the person than if you had simply asked them your questions.
While I enjoyed the mystery and the setting, I didn’t care for the romance. Sophie and Eric’s realationship felt too much like insta-love. With the history they had, I think the romance would have felt more real if there was more conflict and less acceptance in the very beginning. It didn’t seem realistic that Sophie’s hurt could be healed so quickly and that there wouldn’t be more trust issues between them.
Overall, this was a good, quick read with an interesting human mystery in a unique setting. The romance paled in comparison to the rest of the elements, but it was an overall passionate book.
What really stood out was the author’s passion about the Philippines. The people, history and culture were shown with utmost respect and love. Even more than the actual storyline, the setting was the star of the book.
I loved the mystery element to Sophie’s investigation and how she set out to learn about Marina without actually speaking to her. I was amazed at how much she learned this way. It highlighted how much each person’s life affects those around them. If you take the time to learn those pieces, if will give you a better sense of the person than if you had simply asked them your questions.
While I enjoyed the mystery and the setting, I didn’t care for the romance. Sophie and Eric’s realationship felt too much like insta-love. With the history they had, I think the romance would have felt more real if there was more conflict and less acceptance in the very beginning. It didn’t seem realistic that Sophie’s hurt could be healed so quickly and that there wouldn’t be more trust issues between them.
Overall, this was a good, quick read with an interesting human mystery in a unique setting. The romance paled in comparison to the rest of the elements, but it was an overall passionate book.
October 22, 2012
Smart Contemporary Fiction!
Sent to the Philippines for one final assignment, news reporter Sophie Matthews is a smart, well-educated woman with a flair for writing. Her boss believes there is a story surrounding an older woman, Marina Suarez, who was the sole survivor in her village when the Japanese attacked the Philippines during World War II.
Determined to uncover the truth of Marina's long buried secret, Sophie embarks on the trail that leads to startling discoveries. But complications abound, first, Sophie meets an old lover, then a military coup threatens the government. Plus, there's a great twist toward the end that I didn't see coming.
Characters are well drawn, as are flashbacks to the 1930s and 1940s. Readers will learn a great deal about Filipino history and culture; I came away with a new appreciation for the Philippines. This setting is rarely used in this genre, and because the author is a native, it's quite authentic.
The Assignment is a fast, engrossing read, and highly entertaining; it earns 5-stars in its genre.
Sent to the Philippines for one final assignment, news reporter Sophie Matthews is a smart, well-educated woman with a flair for writing. Her boss believes there is a story surrounding an older woman, Marina Suarez, who was the sole survivor in her village when the Japanese attacked the Philippines during World War II.
Determined to uncover the truth of Marina's long buried secret, Sophie embarks on the trail that leads to startling discoveries. But complications abound, first, Sophie meets an old lover, then a military coup threatens the government. Plus, there's a great twist toward the end that I didn't see coming.
Characters are well drawn, as are flashbacks to the 1930s and 1940s. Readers will learn a great deal about Filipino history and culture; I came away with a new appreciation for the Philippines. This setting is rarely used in this genre, and because the author is a native, it's quite authentic.
The Assignment is a fast, engrossing read, and highly entertaining; it earns 5-stars in its genre.
August 27, 2012
Solon’s The Assignment whisks us away to the Philippines. Sophie, a travel journalist journeys there to find the truth about Marina Suarez. At the same time she is hesitant because the Philippines holds a lot of memories for her, that in particular to her losing her heart. She will cross paths with that man, Eric and soon finds herself needing his help to solve the riddle behind her assignment. The assignment proves to be much more than she planned and soon finds herself in problems. She wants to settle her life and relax, but not before finding out the truth about Marina. Solon provides a mystery, romance, and suspense. You get to feel all the characters emotions and you feel like you travel with Sophie to the Philippines. A read you will enjoy start to finish.
June 10, 2015
I was sucked right into this story from the beginning. Sophie, a sharp woman who just wants to get out of the job she’s in, takes one last assignment from her boss. From there, we hear the exciting details of the Philippines and her long-lost love who broke her heart.
Sophie, of course, is my favorite. I think everyone can relate to her; if you have ever loved someone you didn’t want to. Communication is key in relationships, and this story just proves that miscommunication can spiral fast. The songs in this book add a whole new depth.
The story of Marina was so gripping. The writing is flawless, the story is intriguing, and the characters are so believable. I enjoyed the descriptive writing, especially in describing the Philippines.
Sophie, of course, is my favorite. I think everyone can relate to her; if you have ever loved someone you didn’t want to. Communication is key in relationships, and this story just proves that miscommunication can spiral fast. The songs in this book add a whole new depth.
The story of Marina was so gripping. The writing is flawless, the story is intriguing, and the characters are so believable. I enjoyed the descriptive writing, especially in describing the Philippines.
Want to read
February 15, 2016215pgs, contemporary, she has traveled the world as a journalist, but nearing 40, wants to settle down and have a family, which includes finding the right man. Her boss wants her to do one last assignment, the story of a WWII survivor. She was the only one in her village to survive, but how? Doing her research, she runs into the one man who broke her heart yrs ago, and he is the only one who can help her unravel the mystery of the WWII survivor. Finding the answers will change her life forever.
January 7, 2013
Wow. Who would have thought the plot of this book would be so complicated and yet so satisfying in the end? I loved the mystery and intrigue and the genuineness of the characters. The fact that the book also opens the reader's eyes to what happened in the Philippines during WW II makes the story that much more compelling.
I enjoyed this book not only for the characters and the story but also for the minor history lesson I was exposed it.
I enjoyed this book not only for the characters and the story but also for the minor history lesson I was exposed it.
July 1, 2015
Courageous
The struggles in this book that takes you through heartbreak, war,love and deception was well written. It brings you to a place where hope, love, fear,faith and heartbreak is found. 16+
The struggles in this book that takes you through heartbreak, war,love and deception was well written. It brings you to a place where hope, love, fear,faith and heartbreak is found. 16+
kindle-i-own-to-read
January 3, 2013Amazon Freebie 01/02/2013
July 25, 2014
Freebie from Amazon...marginal.
March 15, 2018
A wonderfully engrossing family saga, The Assignment covers two spans of Philippine history, the Japanese Occupation during World War II and the events surrounding Corazon Aquino's People Power Revolution.
The dual story lines are woven together seamlessly as documentary journalist Sophie Matthews takes an assignment to return to Manila to interview World War II survivor Marina Suarez. A series of happy coincidences result in Sophie meeting with the man who she fell in love with on her last assignment as well as a friendly housemaid who takes her under her wing and treats her to delicious food and family history.
Initially Marina Suarez refuses to speak to Sophie, but as Sophie digs deeper and deeper into Marina's history, she becomes more and more entangled both with heart-throb Eric Santiago, a love song singer, and her own murky past as an adopted child.
The storyline was predictable but delightful. This author foreshadows frequently and gives plenty of explanation, backing up each character's thoughts and actions with documentary evidence and commentary by other characters. The characters themselves are also honest reporters of their own feelings and dialogue is straightforward without subtexting.
Therefore, the joy of the story was not trying to match wits with the author to figure out the mystery, but to enjoy the journey the characters take to discover themselves and their loved ones.
The character I most connected with was Marina Suarez. She was a strong willed woman who was talented and outspoken and had suffered unimaginable loss. Even though her story is told indirectly in flashbacks and memoir, the process that Sophie Matthews takes to discover it was fascinating, as each layer is unpeeled. The power of lasting love to transcend misery, abandonment, and betrayal ended the story happily, with the wonderful twist that everyone is reunited with their loved ones and appreciated each precious moment together. A heartwarming story as comforting as a mug of Filipino hot tsokolate.
A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.
Solon, Geraldine (2012-05-24). The Assignment (p. 371). . Kindle Edition.
The dual story lines are woven together seamlessly as documentary journalist Sophie Matthews takes an assignment to return to Manila to interview World War II survivor Marina Suarez. A series of happy coincidences result in Sophie meeting with the man who she fell in love with on her last assignment as well as a friendly housemaid who takes her under her wing and treats her to delicious food and family history.
Initially Marina Suarez refuses to speak to Sophie, but as Sophie digs deeper and deeper into Marina's history, she becomes more and more entangled both with heart-throb Eric Santiago, a love song singer, and her own murky past as an adopted child.
The storyline was predictable but delightful. This author foreshadows frequently and gives plenty of explanation, backing up each character's thoughts and actions with documentary evidence and commentary by other characters. The characters themselves are also honest reporters of their own feelings and dialogue is straightforward without subtexting.
Therefore, the joy of the story was not trying to match wits with the author to figure out the mystery, but to enjoy the journey the characters take to discover themselves and their loved ones.
The character I most connected with was Marina Suarez. She was a strong willed woman who was talented and outspoken and had suffered unimaginable loss. Even though her story is told indirectly in flashbacks and memoir, the process that Sophie Matthews takes to discover it was fascinating, as each layer is unpeeled. The power of lasting love to transcend misery, abandonment, and betrayal ended the story happily, with the wonderful twist that everyone is reunited with their loved ones and appreciated each precious moment together. A heartwarming story as comforting as a mug of Filipino hot tsokolate.
A lesson for all of us is that for every loss, there is victory, for every sadness, there is joy, and when you think you’ve lost everything, there is hope.
Solon, Geraldine (2012-05-24). The Assignment (p. 371). . Kindle Edition.
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