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The Words Shimmer
A sweet, lesbian romance about growing something unexpected and wonderful from the roots up.
Yorkshire anatomy lecturer Ruby Clark considers her life low-maintenance. She teaches at the local university, has two well-behaved teenage daughters, and what she doesn't know about human anatomy isn't worth knowing. Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn't stretch to plants, and she's been asked to help out on a school garden project. Being a paramedic doesn't do Melissa Jackson's back or knees any favours, so she's looking into university courses to try a less strenuous line of her work.
But the brash, proudly out, down-to-earth woman's biggest challenge is keeping her dyslexia a secret. That, and living down the stigma that follows her when people find out. A university open day throws the two women into each other's orbits. When Mel, an expert green thumb, makes a few helpful suggestions on Ruby's garden project, Ruby convinces her to team up to make it a success. Personality-wise, they couldn't be less compatible. Mel's brazen attitude, cocky jokes, and affinity with earthworms immediately rub the hyper-professional, straight-laced Ruby the wrong way. Can they ever find common ground?
Yorkshire anatomy lecturer Ruby Clark considers her life low-maintenance. She teaches at the local university, has two well-behaved teenage daughters, and what she doesn't know about human anatomy isn't worth knowing. Unfortunately, that knowledge doesn't stretch to plants, and she's been asked to help out on a school garden project. Being a paramedic doesn't do Melissa Jackson's back or knees any favours, so she's looking into university courses to try a less strenuous line of her work.
But the brash, proudly out, down-to-earth woman's biggest challenge is keeping her dyslexia a secret. That, and living down the stigma that follows her when people find out. A university open day throws the two women into each other's orbits. When Mel, an expert green thumb, makes a few helpful suggestions on Ruby's garden project, Ruby convinces her to team up to make it a success. Personality-wise, they couldn't be less compatible. Mel's brazen attitude, cocky jokes, and affinity with earthworms immediately rub the hyper-professional, straight-laced Ruby the wrong way. Can they ever find common ground?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2019
About the author
Jenn Matthews
14 books55 followersJenn Matthews lives in England’s South West with her wife, two dogs, and cat. When not working full-time as a health-care assistant at a mental health rehab unit, she can be found avidly gardening, crocheting, writing, or visiting National Trust properties.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
Inspired by life’s lessons and experiences, Jenn is a passionate advocate of people on the fringe of society. She hopes to explore and represent other “invisible people” with her upcoming novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 1, 2019
3.50 Stars. Good but not great. I have to admit I saw this cover and immediately assumed medical romance. This is not a medical romance, this is more a teachers romance. That’s fine and on me since I should have read the blurb, but I do think I can pick out a few covers ideas that would better describe this book.
This is my second book by Matthews. Her debut, Hooked on You, I really enjoyed. I do have to say I was a little disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this as much. While her writing quality and style, which is unique and I really like, was back again some of the things I enjoyed the most from Hooked on You I felt was missing here. Hooked was a slow burn romance, this book was a super slow- snail paced the romance is never coming- burn romance. It was just too slow and Matthews waited until there was hardly anytime left in the book. In Hooked there was chemistry and intimacy between the characters so you didn’t mind the slow burn, here this book was really missing that. I had to wonder if maybe the main characters were destined to be just friends.
Hooked was a book about knitting. I was shocked how interesting and just readable it was. This book was about teachers teaching university anatomy and younger kids gardening. Once again these are not exciting subjects by any means, but still Matthews made this book really readable. While I have issues with how the romance unfolded, I have no problems with this overall slower paced subjects this book was about.
Last little complaint was the angst. There is little angst but when it does come it was so roll your eyes worthy. It almost felt like Matthews didn’t want to put it in but felt she had to since this is a romance. It made me cringe and I just really wish she would have left that part out. I’m not going to go into this any more for spoiler reasons but anyone that reads this will know what I mean. I will just say thank goodness the angsty moment doesn’t go on long and the characters start acting normal again.
Not an easy one to rate. The overall book was comfortable and I just like Matthews writing style, but this was not as good as Hooked on You. I think my review is first so I’m anxious to see how other reviewers fall on this one. I would not be surprised to see some mixed reviews. There was some really good stuff here, but some things fell short. I will absolutely read Matthews again though, I like the way she writes too much not to.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This is my second book by Matthews. Her debut, Hooked on You, I really enjoyed. I do have to say I was a little disappointed that I didn’t enjoy this as much. While her writing quality and style, which is unique and I really like, was back again some of the things I enjoyed the most from Hooked on You I felt was missing here. Hooked was a slow burn romance, this book was a super slow- snail paced the romance is never coming- burn romance. It was just too slow and Matthews waited until there was hardly anytime left in the book. In Hooked there was chemistry and intimacy between the characters so you didn’t mind the slow burn, here this book was really missing that. I had to wonder if maybe the main characters were destined to be just friends.
Hooked was a book about knitting. I was shocked how interesting and just readable it was. This book was about teachers teaching university anatomy and younger kids gardening. Once again these are not exciting subjects by any means, but still Matthews made this book really readable. While I have issues with how the romance unfolded, I have no problems with this overall slower paced subjects this book was about.
Last little complaint was the angst. There is little angst but when it does come it was so roll your eyes worthy. It almost felt like Matthews didn’t want to put it in but felt she had to since this is a romance. It made me cringe and I just really wish she would have left that part out. I’m not going to go into this any more for spoiler reasons but anyone that reads this will know what I mean. I will just say thank goodness the angsty moment doesn’t go on long and the characters start acting normal again.
Not an easy one to rate. The overall book was comfortable and I just like Matthews writing style, but this was not as good as Hooked on You. I think my review is first so I’m anxious to see how other reviewers fall on this one. I would not be surprised to see some mixed reviews. There was some really good stuff here, but some things fell short. I will absolutely read Matthews again though, I like the way she writes too much not to.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
August 5, 2019
Uh oh! This is a tough one to review and rate!! So I’m going to try my best to explain both my conclusions on this one :)
First of all, I really liked the author writing style! The words flowed very nicely and she has a way that keeps you hooked even if you’re very bored of the storyline itself! So to help you out ladies, don’t pick up this book if you’re looking for a romance, because it’s not there due to how SLOW it was on that front! Even the angst was just off! Another main issue I felt was how the author introduced a lot of elements that confused me throughout the book and most importantly didn’t add much to the storyline! So yeah there was just too much going on!
However, and a big however here , I ended up not skimming throughout the book, I actually enjoyed it! so I kept asking myself why.. first of all I was so interested in dyslexia and I think I’ve become an expert now on that topic! It reminded me a bit when I read about an MC from one of Jae’s books who was asexual! For some reason I get very interested to read such different characters ..
my rating is a 3.5 rounded up to 4 on this one and I’m actually looking forward to reading more reviews on this book :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
First of all, I really liked the author writing style! The words flowed very nicely and she has a way that keeps you hooked even if you’re very bored of the storyline itself! So to help you out ladies, don’t pick up this book if you’re looking for a romance, because it’s not there due to how SLOW it was on that front! Even the angst was just off! Another main issue I felt was how the author introduced a lot of elements that confused me throughout the book and most importantly didn’t add much to the storyline! So yeah there was just too much going on!
However, and a big however here , I ended up not skimming throughout the book, I actually enjoyed it! so I kept asking myself why.. first of all I was so interested in dyslexia and I think I’ve become an expert now on that topic! It reminded me a bit when I read about an MC from one of Jae’s books who was asexual! For some reason I get very interested to read such different characters ..
my rating is a 3.5 rounded up to 4 on this one and I’m actually looking forward to reading more reviews on this book :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
September 12, 2019
This is another gentle romance by Matthews. Mel Jackson shares a table with Ruby Clark in a crowded cafeteria and, being open and friendly, introduces herself. It doesn’t take long to realize that Ruby, for all her attractiveness, is quite prickly and judgmental. Mel is registering for some university course to branch off from being a paramedic to do something less taxing and Ruby teaches at the university. Even though their meeting was uncomfortable they find themselves becoming friends.
The story is very much character driven and the plot is a much more about growth and acceptance than drama and suspense. Both women are in their forties and can’t help but be a little jaded from past experiences. Mel’s outgoing nature hides a learning disability where Ruby, as a single parent, keeps to herself as much as possible and although she’s not closeted, she is very private.
I enjoyed the development of their friendship and the interaction with the children in the gardening project. The dyslexia aspect was nicely done, however there was an occasion where I thought that Mel’s reaction to something Ruby did was a bit of a leap. I found it a little slower than Hooked on You but I’m looking forward to Matthews next offering.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
The story is very much character driven and the plot is a much more about growth and acceptance than drama and suspense. Both women are in their forties and can’t help but be a little jaded from past experiences. Mel’s outgoing nature hides a learning disability where Ruby, as a single parent, keeps to herself as much as possible and although she’s not closeted, she is very private.
I enjoyed the development of their friendship and the interaction with the children in the gardening project. The dyslexia aspect was nicely done, however there was an occasion where I thought that Mel’s reaction to something Ruby did was a bit of a leap. I found it a little slower than Hooked on You but I’m looking forward to Matthews next offering.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
August 21, 2019
Matthew's first book "Hooked on You" inspired me to learn to crochet. This one, unfortunately, did not cause the same type of excitement for gardening.
I really appreciate Matthew's writing style. I like to think of it as a slow meandering cadence. Perfect for when you just want to get lost in a well written and easy read.
Mel is a 40 something paramedic who meets a teacher, Ruby, at uni. They have a rough first encounter, but end up becoming friends. Mel offers to help Ruby with a gardening class/charity gig at the school. Their growing feelings become a conflict as it is a teacher/student scenario.
There was a lot of gardening. Garden planning, garden setup, garden teaching, etc. I felt like there was a bit too much detail here that could have been cleaned up a bit.
The only drama that existed in the book was kind of unbelievable to me. I don't want to give away anything by saying what happened. But I had felt that Mel's reaction didn't make sense at all. And it was bit over dramatic. Then things resolved fairly quickly.
Overall, this was a decent read.
I recommend to those who enjoy reading slow building relationships, teacher/student conflict (same age range, though), dealing with internalized homophobia, dyslexia, gardening, and Brit speak.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
I really appreciate Matthew's writing style. I like to think of it as a slow meandering cadence. Perfect for when you just want to get lost in a well written and easy read.
Mel is a 40 something paramedic who meets a teacher, Ruby, at uni. They have a rough first encounter, but end up becoming friends. Mel offers to help Ruby with a gardening class/charity gig at the school. Their growing feelings become a conflict as it is a teacher/student scenario.
There was a lot of gardening. Garden planning, garden setup, garden teaching, etc. I felt like there was a bit too much detail here that could have been cleaned up a bit.
The only drama that existed in the book was kind of unbelievable to me. I don't want to give away anything by saying what happened. But I had felt that Mel's reaction didn't make sense at all. And it was bit over dramatic. Then things resolved fairly quickly.
Overall, this was a decent read.
I recommend to those who enjoy reading slow building relationships, teacher/student conflict (same age range, though), dealing with internalized homophobia, dyslexia, gardening, and Brit speak.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
December 9, 2019
Everything about this book seemed to be something I’d enjoy. And I did enjoy it, for a while. Until the immaturity of one of the leads just got too much for me.
Two women meet. One is on crutches. One is not. The one not on crutches helps the other in through a door. Of a university. The one not on crutches, Ruby Clark, is there because she’s a teacher there (along with being a nurse). The other, Mel, is there to take some classes to get a particular certificate or degree which will allow her to get a higher level job (and or, just allow her to work a particular job she’s interested in). Mel already works as a paramedic. Which immediately causes the two to clash because Ruby despises paramedics. For reasons.
For reasons I do not recall, the two did not thereafter go their separate paths in life, but instead ended up working on a project Ruby was forced to take (because she was late to a meeting, because she was holding the door open for Mel). A garden project. That involves having bussed in children work with plants and stuff.
Let’s move back to the beginning of this review. Both of the leads are ‘up there’ in age. I forget now how old they are, but they were something around at least 30s, probably 40s. Which in and of itself is somewhat rare-ish. A lot of romance books involve youngsters (even heterosexual ones, though if they are historical romances, the man might be in his forties, but the woman would still be like 12 (okay, like 17 to 21; if she’s 22 then she’s a spinster . . . or something; and really, the men tend to be closer to their mid-30s, not 40s, but still)). So that the book had going for it. Though the two main leads seemed to act much younger than their age. Well, Ruby did. She had the emotional maturity of a hamster (which, I’ve been lead to believe, are very immature, I mean their mothers eat their young! . . . okay, I was just running words together there to see if a sentence would form). Right, so, she did have a rather immature personality. Especially if anyone saw her doing anything that might imply she might, you know, fancy women (she regularly burst into tears when someone spotted her doing something even vaguely ‘gay’ like holding hands with another woman).
The other thing that should have allowed me to like the book, and here it did, was the part where one of the mains had an ‘issue’ that caused them some scholarly issues. At least until she learned what her issue was and addressed it as best she could. It doesn’t really matter what her issue was, since anything would have had me interested, but here we are talking about Mel being dyslexic.
I’ve a note at the 59% mark indicating that I’d had enough, but I pressed forward and finished the book.
Everyone else who read this book seemed to at least vaguely like the book, so just take my dislike of the book as one person’s dislike of the book. I wouldn’t recommend the book, but there are enough reviews recommending the book for someone following along behind me to at least give the sample a try.
Rating: 3
December 9 2019
Two women meet. One is on crutches. One is not. The one not on crutches helps the other in through a door. Of a university. The one not on crutches, Ruby Clark, is there because she’s a teacher there (along with being a nurse). The other, Mel, is there to take some classes to get a particular certificate or degree which will allow her to get a higher level job (and or, just allow her to work a particular job she’s interested in). Mel already works as a paramedic. Which immediately causes the two to clash because Ruby despises paramedics. For reasons.
For reasons I do not recall, the two did not thereafter go their separate paths in life, but instead ended up working on a project Ruby was forced to take (because she was late to a meeting, because she was holding the door open for Mel). A garden project. That involves having bussed in children work with plants and stuff.
Let’s move back to the beginning of this review. Both of the leads are ‘up there’ in age. I forget now how old they are, but they were something around at least 30s, probably 40s. Which in and of itself is somewhat rare-ish. A lot of romance books involve youngsters (even heterosexual ones, though if they are historical romances, the man might be in his forties, but the woman would still be like 12 (okay, like 17 to 21; if she’s 22 then she’s a spinster . . . or something; and really, the men tend to be closer to their mid-30s, not 40s, but still)). So that the book had going for it. Though the two main leads seemed to act much younger than their age. Well, Ruby did. She had the emotional maturity of a hamster (which, I’ve been lead to believe, are very immature, I mean their mothers eat their young! . . . okay, I was just running words together there to see if a sentence would form). Right, so, she did have a rather immature personality. Especially if anyone saw her doing anything that might imply she might, you know, fancy women (she regularly burst into tears when someone spotted her doing something even vaguely ‘gay’ like holding hands with another woman).
The other thing that should have allowed me to like the book, and here it did, was the part where one of the mains had an ‘issue’ that caused them some scholarly issues. At least until she learned what her issue was and addressed it as best she could. It doesn’t really matter what her issue was, since anything would have had me interested, but here we are talking about Mel being dyslexic.
I’ve a note at the 59% mark indicating that I’d had enough, but I pressed forward and finished the book.
Everyone else who read this book seemed to at least vaguely like the book, so just take my dislike of the book as one person’s dislike of the book. I wouldn’t recommend the book, but there are enough reviews recommending the book for someone following along behind me to at least give the sample a try.
Rating: 3
December 9 2019
August 5, 2019
I have mixed feelings about
The Words Shimmer
by Jenn Matthews. I did enjoy reading the book, and there are quite a few elements that I like. However, if you asked me to choose between this novel and Ms. Matthews’ first book,
Hooked on You
, I would have to pick her debut novel as my favorite.
The Words Shimmer does have some really good qualities. It is a character driven tale which is one of my favorite types of books. The two main characters, Ruby Clark and Melissa (Mel) Jackson are both mature women in their forties which, for me, is refreshing. I loved the fact that the author made these two almost a lesbian 'Odd Couple'. Ruby is very prim and proper, who likes everything to be in its place at all times. She is also a very private person. Mel is almost the complete opposite, being very open and out there with a “take me as I am or leave me alone” type of personality. This is a great conflict element, and I wish the author had used it more in the story. It seemed to become less noticeable as the story progressed, though it did not completely disappear.
I admired that the author included a disability in the plot. Mel has dyslexia, and this is something she wants to hide from Ruby and others, even though she has done well in her life in spite of it. Both main and secondary characters are well-developed, and are easy to connect with. The slow-burn romance is really too slow in this novel. The story actually dragged for me after a while, and I think this was part of the problem. Despite this, I did like this book overall, and will definitely be looking for more from this author.
I received this as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
The Words Shimmer does have some really good qualities. It is a character driven tale which is one of my favorite types of books. The two main characters, Ruby Clark and Melissa (Mel) Jackson are both mature women in their forties which, for me, is refreshing. I loved the fact that the author made these two almost a lesbian 'Odd Couple'. Ruby is very prim and proper, who likes everything to be in its place at all times. She is also a very private person. Mel is almost the complete opposite, being very open and out there with a “take me as I am or leave me alone” type of personality. This is a great conflict element, and I wish the author had used it more in the story. It seemed to become less noticeable as the story progressed, though it did not completely disappear.
I admired that the author included a disability in the plot. Mel has dyslexia, and this is something she wants to hide from Ruby and others, even though she has done well in her life in spite of it. Both main and secondary characters are well-developed, and are easy to connect with. The slow-burn romance is really too slow in this novel. The story actually dragged for me after a while, and I think this was part of the problem. Despite this, I did like this book overall, and will definitely be looking for more from this author.
I received this as an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
August 2, 2019
After utterly enjoying Jenn Matthews' debut, "Hooked On You," I was curious about her sophomore outing, "The Words Shimmer," mainly because of the subject matter of dyslexia in a lesbian romance. Whilst I know in general terms about the condition, I certainly didn't know the nuts and bolts of it. Add to that, to craft a story around a main character having dyslexia as part of her nature but hiding it in secret, having to manoeuvre it in the art of romance, was an intriguing plot for a love story. So, obviously, I was intrigued.
I must say, the story wasn't what I had expected at all. In essence, it was an ambitious effort by Matthews because in this outing she included quite a few tropes and topics to cover, which I will elaborate later on its effects to the overall execution of the story. But first, I absolutely LOVED that Matthews captured the very British feel in the story - the vernacular, interactions, the surroundings, etc.. which gave this story a sense of warmth and comfort. TWS started off brilliantly, imo, when I felt that Matthews was going for the enemies-to-lovers trope, one of my favourites next to ice queen! In fact, I read one of the 2 MCs, Ruby, as having a bit of an ice queen persona when she and Mel started going at each other during their first encounter. I was positively thrilled, rubbing my hands in anticipation for some fun-filled sharp, sarcastic back-and-forth verbal wrestling between the two! Alas, that wasn't to be. I was a little surprised that the trope was so quickly neutralised because the next thing I knew, Mel and Ruby's attraction took centre stage already albeit a slow-burn one in its progress. If only Matthews had stuck to the always-exciting trope just a bit longer. If only....
Meanwhile, I was actually bracing for that topic of interest which drew me to this story in the first place - dyslexia - and how it would wrap around the romance between Mel and Ruby. Perhaps it was only my own assumption that the subject matter would play any pivotal role after all because as the story progressed, I realised that it wasn't Matthews' intention. Perplexed, I kept wondering about the story's title, which to me, screamed symbolism to the topic itself. So, naturally I was distracted. Don't get me wrong, Matthews did display Mel coping with her recently diagnosed condition (only 8 years ago and she was now 47) in various settings albeit peripherally, mostly occurring in her thoughts. I had expected to see more of her coping mechanism in her workplace (the cover gave me the impression that her workplace as a paramedic would play a major role), in the classroom where she was taking her Masters courses, amongst other places.
Nonetheless, Matthews did paint a clear picture of the physiology of dyslexia. I learned a lot from her descriptions. For instance, I didn't know there were specs to help with the reading efforts, and that colours play a big role in dyslexics' ability to view the words, and the fact that the words shimmer and bounce around when they try to read. It was an eye-opening and learning moment for me which I was utterly gratified by. The one scene which I thought Matthews personified Mel's condition with effect was when she and Ruby were in the restaurant. Just when I got excited and anticipating a deeper elaboration of that where Mel and Ruby were concerned, it then took a back seat shortly after except for some brief mentions in passing, all in Mel's thoughts and internal musings. If only there were more of those to showcase the subject particularly when it related to Mel and Ruby's relationship. I reckon, Matthews thought it was better to present it through a secondary character instead. Oh, if only...
Remember what I said about this story being an ambitious effort from Matthews with several issues being introduced?
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book by Ylva in return for an honest review.
I must say, the story wasn't what I had expected at all. In essence, it was an ambitious effort by Matthews because in this outing she included quite a few tropes and topics to cover, which I will elaborate later on its effects to the overall execution of the story. But first, I absolutely LOVED that Matthews captured the very British feel in the story - the vernacular, interactions, the surroundings, etc.. which gave this story a sense of warmth and comfort. TWS started off brilliantly, imo, when I felt that Matthews was going for the enemies-to-lovers trope, one of my favourites next to ice queen! In fact, I read one of the 2 MCs, Ruby, as having a bit of an ice queen persona when she and Mel started going at each other during their first encounter. I was positively thrilled, rubbing my hands in anticipation for some fun-filled sharp, sarcastic back-and-forth verbal wrestling between the two! Alas, that wasn't to be. I was a little surprised that the trope was so quickly neutralised because the next thing I knew, Mel and Ruby's attraction took centre stage already albeit a slow-burn one in its progress. If only Matthews had stuck to the always-exciting trope just a bit longer. If only....
Meanwhile, I was actually bracing for that topic of interest which drew me to this story in the first place - dyslexia - and how it would wrap around the romance between Mel and Ruby. Perhaps it was only my own assumption that the subject matter would play any pivotal role after all because as the story progressed, I realised that it wasn't Matthews' intention. Perplexed, I kept wondering about the story's title, which to me, screamed symbolism to the topic itself. So, naturally I was distracted. Don't get me wrong, Matthews did display Mel coping with her recently diagnosed condition (only 8 years ago and she was now 47) in various settings albeit peripherally, mostly occurring in her thoughts. I had expected to see more of her coping mechanism in her workplace (the cover gave me the impression that her workplace as a paramedic would play a major role), in the classroom where she was taking her Masters courses, amongst other places.
Nonetheless, Matthews did paint a clear picture of the physiology of dyslexia. I learned a lot from her descriptions. For instance, I didn't know there were specs to help with the reading efforts, and that colours play a big role in dyslexics' ability to view the words, and the fact that the words shimmer and bounce around when they try to read. It was an eye-opening and learning moment for me which I was utterly gratified by. The one scene which I thought Matthews personified Mel's condition with effect was when she and Ruby were in the restaurant. Just when I got excited and anticipating a deeper elaboration of that where Mel and Ruby were concerned, it then took a back seat shortly after except for some brief mentions in passing, all in Mel's thoughts and internal musings. If only there were more of those to showcase the subject particularly when it related to Mel and Ruby's relationship. I reckon, Matthews thought it was better to present it through a secondary character instead. Oh, if only...
Remember what I said about this story being an ambitious effort from Matthews with several issues being introduced?
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
**I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book by Ylva in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2021
Nice very slow burn romance. Liked the writing and the characters.
September 5, 2022
Old fashioned, slow burner that meandered along happily and without too much fuss. Emotions very much on the level.
August 5, 2019
This is a book that is a little confusing because there are a ton of great elements in it, but I think the author bit off a little more than they could chew. While the cover would make you think that it is a medical drama, it isn't, except that the two leads are both medical professionals. It could be a student teacher romance, but only in the sense that one lead is a teacher, while the other is a student who's not in her class. And both help teach a school aged class about gardening and come up against a homophobic teacher. Melissa Jackson, is the student and is coping with a recently diagnosed learning disability, and Ruby Clark probably has an un-diagnosed anxiety disorder. There's so much in here that it can be a little hard to keep track of, and when there are some bursts of high intensity moments, it doesn't often feel earned. Ruby's moment felt a little off, but I understood it (it was subtly set up so you could miss it). Mel's moment made me role my eyes because the thing that triggered her was something that Ruby and her were talking about just a couple days before and Ruby didn't indicate that she had a problem with it.
Despite that, Matthews is really good at the slow burn, "We're totally dating, but not realizing that we are" style of romance, as highlighted in her previous book,Hooked on You. I enjoy the characters inability to admit that they are actually dating, despite both characters being attracted to each other, and liking each other. The problem with this book is that, unlike Hooked on You there are too many things the author is trying to cover, and it feels too disjointed so that when Mel and Ruby have their emotional moments, it feels unearned. Mel's struggles with dyslexia could have been one of the main focal points of the book, and I feel like it would have been a stronger story with a focus on that, but because there are so many other things going on, there's just not enough room to explore it.
I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest opinion.
Despite that, Matthews is really good at the slow burn, "We're totally dating, but not realizing that we are" style of romance, as highlighted in her previous book,Hooked on You. I enjoy the characters inability to admit that they are actually dating, despite both characters being attracted to each other, and liking each other. The problem with this book is that, unlike Hooked on You there are too many things the author is trying to cover, and it feels too disjointed so that when Mel and Ruby have their emotional moments, it feels unearned. Mel's struggles with dyslexia could have been one of the main focal points of the book, and I feel like it would have been a stronger story with a focus on that, but because there are so many other things going on, there's just not enough room to explore it.
I received this ARC from Ylva in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 7, 2019
Oh dear, I’m sorry but I really couldn’t get into this book at all. In fact I found myself having to skim through quite a lot of it just so I could finish it. The two main characters supposedly dislike each other, but the next minute they are flirting. There is also zero chemistry between Ruby and Mel, all in all making the whole relationship rather unbelievable. The book mentions important subjects such as dyslexia and homophobia, but then goes nowhere with them. The book, however, is nicely written and the scenes working with the children on the garden project are quite delightful.
I was given an advance review copy by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advance review copy by Ylva in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2019
Jenn Matthews has stated that she wants to write about 'invisible people' in her novels. My initial reaction was ok, that's great but I don't like overtly polemical books (in fact I fucking *hate* preachy fiction. Thankfully, "The Words Shimmer" is a brilliant novel and one of the main characters has dyslexia; it's a relatively important part of the story but the whole book is so well written that it's insightful and thought provoking, rather than preachy. Before I even properly start this review I'm going to state outright that I'm really looking forward to Jenn Matthews' next book, which according to the "about the author" bit at the end of the book will also be about 'invisible people'.
Anyway, back to the novel at hand, which focuses on Mel a forty-seven year old paramedic and Ruby a forty-two year old nurse who lectures in anatomy at the university where Mel is doing a Masters in Emergency Care. After a feisty first encounter marred by assumptions and preconceived opinions of each other's professions, they get a second chance when Ruby spots Mel struggling on crutches (courtesy of a broken leg) and helps her across campus. Unfortunately for Ruby her generosity makes her late for a staff meeting and leaves her left with the community charity project no one else wanted: gardening with thirty, nine year olds! As luck would have it...Mel's dad had an allotment so she's a dab hand at growing veg etc. so she offers to give Ruby a hand and before long romance is blossoming among the tomato plants.
Along the way we meet the horrible, homophobic teacher of aforementioned thirty kids (the kids themselves are hilarious and so well written), as well as Ruby & Mel's deep set insecurities; Ruby's about her sexuality and Mel's over her struggles with reading. Despite a few blips around these demons, one of the things I love most about this couple is the way that they communicate like actual adults. There's no stereotypical 85% of the way through break-up because of some stupid half-overheard conversation, they properly talk things out. They also communicate really well about and during sex, a really good example of how consent is sexy. In short, they are a bloody awesome couple and excellent characters as individuals.
Anyway, back to the novel at hand, which focuses on Mel a forty-seven year old paramedic and Ruby a forty-two year old nurse who lectures in anatomy at the university where Mel is doing a Masters in Emergency Care. After a feisty first encounter marred by assumptions and preconceived opinions of each other's professions, they get a second chance when Ruby spots Mel struggling on crutches (courtesy of a broken leg) and helps her across campus. Unfortunately for Ruby her generosity makes her late for a staff meeting and leaves her left with the community charity project no one else wanted: gardening with thirty, nine year olds! As luck would have it...Mel's dad had an allotment so she's a dab hand at growing veg etc. so she offers to give Ruby a hand and before long romance is blossoming among the tomato plants.
Along the way we meet the horrible, homophobic teacher of aforementioned thirty kids (the kids themselves are hilarious and so well written), as well as Ruby & Mel's deep set insecurities; Ruby's about her sexuality and Mel's over her struggles with reading. Despite a few blips around these demons, one of the things I love most about this couple is the way that they communicate like actual adults. There's no stereotypical 85% of the way through break-up because of some stupid half-overheard conversation, they properly talk things out. They also communicate really well about and during sex, a really good example of how consent is sexy. In short, they are a bloody awesome couple and excellent characters as individuals.
August 8, 2019
Loved this book!
The dedication in this book is awesome, addressed in part to those with dyslexia (diagnosed and undiagnosed), a subject handled with great care in the story. From that point on in the book, this story pulled me in and attached my heart to nearly every character; Ruby and Mel have an amazing rapport despite a less than ideal first meeting. Their relationship evolves in a believable way for women in their forties whose sole focus in life is not their love life, or lack of one, but who genuinely enjoy each other's company. Their developing relationship as well as those they have with other characters in the book (children, coworkers, family members etc) are a pleasure to read as it reveals so many facets of their characters in a way that flows easily on the page. There is a variety of personalities and relationship dynamics that populate the story but all are distinct and easy to keep track of who's who and how they connect to one another. In addition to dyslexia, dementia and homophobia are dealt with in the story in a satisfying way along with being out versus private about one's sexuality. There is some drama to offset the romance but not enough to be considered a heavy read.
This book is bursting with love in its many forms and the storytelling is such that I noticed a smile on my face while reading several chapters in a sitting every time. It has a great ending and a followup story with these characters at some point in the future would be welcome. Take this book with you to the beach or to your favorite chair and sink into this fantastic story.
For those readers not versed in British slang, there is a bit in the story along with British spelling that may catch the eye of American readers but the slang is all easily deciphered in context (just in case though, 'trainers' are running shoes and 'squash' is a beverage not the vegetable).
I very much look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The dedication in this book is awesome, addressed in part to those with dyslexia (diagnosed and undiagnosed), a subject handled with great care in the story. From that point on in the book, this story pulled me in and attached my heart to nearly every character; Ruby and Mel have an amazing rapport despite a less than ideal first meeting. Their relationship evolves in a believable way for women in their forties whose sole focus in life is not their love life, or lack of one, but who genuinely enjoy each other's company. Their developing relationship as well as those they have with other characters in the book (children, coworkers, family members etc) are a pleasure to read as it reveals so many facets of their characters in a way that flows easily on the page. There is a variety of personalities and relationship dynamics that populate the story but all are distinct and easy to keep track of who's who and how they connect to one another. In addition to dyslexia, dementia and homophobia are dealt with in the story in a satisfying way along with being out versus private about one's sexuality. There is some drama to offset the romance but not enough to be considered a heavy read.
This book is bursting with love in its many forms and the storytelling is such that I noticed a smile on my face while reading several chapters in a sitting every time. It has a great ending and a followup story with these characters at some point in the future would be welcome. Take this book with you to the beach or to your favorite chair and sink into this fantastic story.
For those readers not versed in British slang, there is a bit in the story along with British spelling that may catch the eye of American readers but the slang is all easily deciphered in context (just in case though, 'trainers' are running shoes and 'squash' is a beverage not the vegetable).
I very much look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2019
This story was anguishly slow ... It missed the whole romance part because of this and I just couldn't get into the story. The characters were not likable and there was no chemistry.
May 21, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
January 25, 2025
This was a good read. I loved the older characters, their hangups made sense and I loved Ruby's kids. The interaction between the MCs pets was cute.
CW: homophobia
CW: homophobia
May 9, 2025
3,5/5
I didn't hate it,I liked it ,I enjoyed it ,but honestly sometimes I felt like "this is something that happens only in fiction " and sometimes it was a good thing and sometimes it was a less good thing.
Besides that honestly, I didn't liked the way Ruby clearly had a favourite daughter which honestly wasn't fair towards her other daughter ,not a good mum representation in that one
I didn't hate it,I liked it ,I enjoyed it ,but honestly sometimes I felt like "this is something that happens only in fiction " and sometimes it was a good thing and sometimes it was a less good thing.
Besides that honestly, I didn't liked the way Ruby clearly had a favourite daughter which honestly wasn't fair towards her other daughter ,not a good mum representation in that one
August 28, 2019
One of the sweetest stories I have ever read!!!
Ruby and Mel couldn’t be more opposite, the lecturer and the injured paramedic who is keeping a secret. Having met by chance when Mel attends a university opening day in the hope of bettering her career qualifications, they instantly have a tension due to matter of opinion, but when Mel can offer Ruby some help with an extra-curricular project, something just starts blossoming.
What I love about Jenn’s stories, is the diversity of the characters she brings us. In this newest story, Jenn explores the difficulties of dyslexia, and the affects this can have on someone’s life. Jenn handles this so sensitively that she brings awareness to readers, whilst promoting positives of dyslexia, and how no one should be judged for something that makes them different. The way this is underlying in the story, causing Mel conflict but not paraded as an excuse gives the story such an insightful depth that as a reader it got me thinking. We would never know the struggles of another unless we are exposed to it. Jenn has not only managed to educate me, but also provide those with dyslexia representation in a story that is so sweet and normal, you’d never stop to think about Mel as anything more than another person – the same as any one of us.
This story was just so sweet that I honestly can’t say there was any part of it I didn’t enjoy.
Ruby and Mel are such realistic characters that the tension between them builds a tense start to a beautiful friendship, and blossoming feelings that slowly emerge as they work together and get to know one another. They have a beautiful way of being together that was heart-warming and unbelievably cute. As slightly older women in their 40’s it was refreshing to see how they connected, even with their life experiences, and sweet they could still be learning something new.
I have to say as much as Ruby was a likeable character, this is Mel’s story. She is truly a wonderful character, an inspirational woman, and someone very much worth admiring.
Romance with a difference for all those who are diverse and need representing. Jenn does a great job with this story and it really is one everyone should read.
Ruby and Mel couldn’t be more opposite, the lecturer and the injured paramedic who is keeping a secret. Having met by chance when Mel attends a university opening day in the hope of bettering her career qualifications, they instantly have a tension due to matter of opinion, but when Mel can offer Ruby some help with an extra-curricular project, something just starts blossoming.
What I love about Jenn’s stories, is the diversity of the characters she brings us. In this newest story, Jenn explores the difficulties of dyslexia, and the affects this can have on someone’s life. Jenn handles this so sensitively that she brings awareness to readers, whilst promoting positives of dyslexia, and how no one should be judged for something that makes them different. The way this is underlying in the story, causing Mel conflict but not paraded as an excuse gives the story such an insightful depth that as a reader it got me thinking. We would never know the struggles of another unless we are exposed to it. Jenn has not only managed to educate me, but also provide those with dyslexia representation in a story that is so sweet and normal, you’d never stop to think about Mel as anything more than another person – the same as any one of us.
This story was just so sweet that I honestly can’t say there was any part of it I didn’t enjoy.
Ruby and Mel are such realistic characters that the tension between them builds a tense start to a beautiful friendship, and blossoming feelings that slowly emerge as they work together and get to know one another. They have a beautiful way of being together that was heart-warming and unbelievably cute. As slightly older women in their 40’s it was refreshing to see how they connected, even with their life experiences, and sweet they could still be learning something new.
I have to say as much as Ruby was a likeable character, this is Mel’s story. She is truly a wonderful character, an inspirational woman, and someone very much worth admiring.
Romance with a difference for all those who are diverse and need representing. Jenn does a great job with this story and it really is one everyone should read.
February 25, 2020
3,25 stars. I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I enjoyed the story as a sweet romance, but on the other hand some of the decisions the MC’s made felt strange. Especially taking the time (present day) and the age of the MC’s into consideration.
This story is about Ruby, a nurse and anatomy teacher, and Mell a paramedic and student. They got off on the wrong foot, but soon they start working on a school garden project teaching kids to grow vegetables and raising money for charity. Working together, they get to know each other and a very slow burn romance is starting (which was a little bit too slow for me to be honest). The characters are well developed, and showed a great deal of vulnerability (as beautifully portrayed in the sex scenes), but I was surprised by some of the assumptions that were made by the MC’s (which are two women in their 40s with quite some life experience). As an example, at some point there is a deal of gay hatred in the book and I was surprised that immediately the assumption was made that an institution like a university would side with this bigotry instead of backing up their employees. Rather large decisions that followed were made without even discussing the situation with colleagues or friends, this struck me as weird.
The secondary characters in the book like the daughters of Ruby and the kids from the garden project were very likeable and added nicely to the story. All in all, in my view this is a nice sweet romance, but with a few points for improvement.
This story is about Ruby, a nurse and anatomy teacher, and Mell a paramedic and student. They got off on the wrong foot, but soon they start working on a school garden project teaching kids to grow vegetables and raising money for charity. Working together, they get to know each other and a very slow burn romance is starting (which was a little bit too slow for me to be honest). The characters are well developed, and showed a great deal of vulnerability (as beautifully portrayed in the sex scenes), but I was surprised by some of the assumptions that were made by the MC’s (which are two women in their 40s with quite some life experience). As an example, at some point there is a deal of gay hatred in the book and I was surprised that immediately the assumption was made that an institution like a university would side with this bigotry instead of backing up their employees. Rather large decisions that followed were made without even discussing the situation with colleagues or friends, this struck me as weird.
The secondary characters in the book like the daughters of Ruby and the kids from the garden project were very likeable and added nicely to the story. All in all, in my view this is a nice sweet romance, but with a few points for improvement.
August 15, 2019
The Words Shimmer is a very slow burn romance. Author Jenn Matthews takes her time to fill out her main characters and storyline.
Mel Jackson works as a paramedic while taking University courses to advance her career into something less strenuous. She meets Ruby Clark who is the Anatomy instructor at the University. While Mel is out and proud, Ruby tends to live the quiet life raising her two daughters and not declaring her lesbianism from the rooftops.
I enjoyed the characters being over forty and within (by +twenty years) my age and experience. It is definitely time for romance characters to be of a mature age. We are out here and love to read about characters we can identify with. As well, having Mel diagnosed with Dyslexia is informative and educational to readers.
I truly love romance novels and read a lot of them but always in the back of my mind I longed for a story that is more “real” and closer to true life. The Words Shimmer answered my wish and I ended up somewhat bored with the result. The romance was so slow to evolve that it just lost my interest. I will be more careful on what I next ask the universe for.
While this book was not my cup of tea I know there are many readers who will love it.
3⭐️
Mel Jackson works as a paramedic while taking University courses to advance her career into something less strenuous. She meets Ruby Clark who is the Anatomy instructor at the University. While Mel is out and proud, Ruby tends to live the quiet life raising her two daughters and not declaring her lesbianism from the rooftops.
I enjoyed the characters being over forty and within (by +twenty years) my age and experience. It is definitely time for romance characters to be of a mature age. We are out here and love to read about characters we can identify with. As well, having Mel diagnosed with Dyslexia is informative and educational to readers.
I truly love romance novels and read a lot of them but always in the back of my mind I longed for a story that is more “real” and closer to true life. The Words Shimmer answered my wish and I ended up somewhat bored with the result. The romance was so slow to evolve that it just lost my interest. I will be more careful on what I next ask the universe for.
While this book was not my cup of tea I know there are many readers who will love it.
3⭐️
August 18, 2019
This was an easy and enjoyable read. I like the way the author writes; it flows nicely. Loved both the main characters, though I will say at the start I wasn't too keen on Ruby. That first meeting between her and Mel... wow Ruby was a, well, not a nice word. haha I do so love prickly characters though that you end up loving, and Ruby was definitely one of those. She just comes across as thorny at first; she's actually quite adorable, as is Mel. Their little garden class with the kids was precious. Michael was easily my favorite of the children mentioned. The children's teacher however... Well, let's just say I really wanted to go through the book and throat punch her on more than one occasion.
I felt the relationship within the book progressed nicely and realistically. The bumps in the road for them were natural enough and not overly dramatic like some do. There was one bump though that hurt me right in the feels and I wanted to curl up and cry with the character myself.
All in all a really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. :)
I felt the relationship within the book progressed nicely and realistically. The bumps in the road for them were natural enough and not overly dramatic like some do. There was one bump though that hurt me right in the feels and I wanted to curl up and cry with the character myself.
All in all a really good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. :)
March 11, 2020
I don't mind books that take their time, meander on and somehow stumble on to an ending. But they have the extremely difficult task of keeping me engaged. It's not surprising that this one didn't manage to do that.
I wish it had been edited down to half its length. Else, the pages could've been used to create better chemistry between the protagonists, explore the issues mentioned – dyslexia, homophobia – in depth, and make the secondary characters – daughters, kids, Francesca etc. – more interesting.
I wish it had been edited down to half its length. Else, the pages could've been used to create better chemistry between the protagonists, explore the issues mentioned – dyslexia, homophobia – in depth, and make the secondary characters – daughters, kids, Francesca etc. – more interesting.
August 28, 2019
There's a lot to like about this book. Two MCs in their mid-40s. Enemies-to-lovers medical theme. Slow burn romance. Two teen daughters having to approve of their mother's new relationship. Learning about a disability that I knew nothing about. British-style comedy. My only criticism is that it felt a little slow-moving. This is my first Jenn Matthews book, but it certainly won't be my last.
August 31, 2019
This novel is a good read if you like slow romances with main characters who have a lot of hang ups. Overall, the storyline was good. The author does a good job in teaching the reader about dyslexia and what it may entail. However, the cover is kind off deceptive in that if one doesn’t read the blurb, you will think it is a medical romance. I recommend this novel.
September 1, 2019
3.5 stars
I thought this was a well written book. I like reading stories about older lesbians with kids. There was a lot in this book and some of it was resolved relatively quickly. But generally it was a good solid read.
*Thanks to Ylva for the ebook*
I thought this was a well written book. I like reading stories about older lesbians with kids. There was a lot in this book and some of it was resolved relatively quickly. But generally it was a good solid read.
*Thanks to Ylva for the ebook*
October 30, 2019
Slow burn romance between two women in their 40s (Matthews' bread and butter).
It was enjoyable.
It was enjoyable.
December 9, 2019
3.5 🌟
January 1, 2020
Enjoyed this audio version of the book. Narrator did a great job with both characters. 4 stars for this slow burn.
March 23, 2020
It was a sweet romance.
Not too heavy on the angst but a slow burn nonetheless.
Not too heavy on the angst but a slow burn nonetheless.
August 15, 2019
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢👩🏫🚑👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Jenn Matthews’s « The Words Shimmer » from Ylva Publishing …
Thank you for providing me this book. It’s the 1st time I read Jenn Matthews’s work.
My rating : 3 ⭐️
So, here is what I have to say about this discovery …
The story focuses on Melissa « Mel » Jackson’s a forty-seven year old paramedic and Ruby Clark, a forty-two year old nurse and anatomy lecturer at the university where Mel’s looking into courses to try a less strenuous line of her work. They meet during a university open day in July but don’t see each other again before 3 months have passed. One morning, Ruby helps Mel who struggles to exit a taxi because of her casted leg and, then, stays with her going through the Uni campus to reach the building where Mel takes her Masters courses… The uni develops some projects to help some charities. Ruby being late to the unexpected staff meeting because of the hand she gave Mel, she now has for mission to lead a garden project for young school kids whereas she doesn’t know a single thing in this field and says she doesn’t even like children… At the end of the same day, the women meet again by chance in a pub. Ruby explains Mel what’s bothering her. Mel is quite an expert green thumb &, after she made a few helpful suggestions on Ruby’s garden project, Ruby convinces her to team up to make it a success …
The Pros :
° the British settings … It’s good to be back in the UK for a while.
° 2 mature MCs over 40 (47 and 42) without a perfect toned body, including one who’s edging on the throes of menopause …
° A MC (+ a secondary character) with dyslexia, which is the most common « learning disability ». I liked the way the author allowed us to learn some things about this trouble.
° some interesting secondary characters.
° the author’s good humour …
The Cons :
° the confusing cover … the picture on it gives the idea that the novel is a medical drama (more paramedic oriented since it’s written « ambulance » on the work clothes), BUT, even if both the MCs are medical professionals (one is, indeed a paramedic and the other one a nurse who also lectures anatomy at uni), it’s not a medical romance, at all … It’s more a teacher/student one.
° the confusing and changing tropes chosen by the author about Ruby and Mel’s relationship … Ruby has a Ice Queen side when they 1st met so we could think this trope would be followed in the same time than the « enemies-to-lovers » one. BUT, in the end it’s the « friends-to-lovers » genre which wins the trope battle … All this makes the relationship quite unbelievable the way it is told right now. Why ??? => Because it’s disturbing (usually the trope last all the novel long) + there isn’t enough drama between all those phases to allow us to understand the changes : one day they hate each other, and the « next » they go on a date (nope, not a date, they say !!!) and become « friends ». + Personally, I didn’t really feel a lot of natural chemistery between them … so when the emotional « love related » moments come, it doesn’t feel right.
° the lack of the MC’s real background. Not knowing a lot about them doesn’t help when it comes to like and/or feel for them … it could have been great to have some intense medical work scenes for both of them … On Ruby’s side it’d have helped to show her human side (so helped the reader to « connect » with her) and on Mel’s side, it’d have helped to see why her back and knees could appreciate a less physical job and (mostly) witness her daily struggle because of her dyslexia.
° important topics like dyslexia, homophobia and bullying are mentioned in the novel but I think they weren’t treated with enough depth....There’s no real drama. Maybe it’s because there were too many things the author wanted to cover in the same time … too many subjects … so, we just have a snippet of each whereas, from my POV, it’s an intense dose which would have been required. Here are the points where, I think, being bolder by adding some real development would have allow the author to make a stronger and way more mature story. :
= > we don’t see Mel struggling whereas she takes some heavy courses at the uni, while still working full time (once she’s out of her cast and back to work, of course). Tiredness is not known to be helpful, emotions either… I think that Mel’s « peculiar » journey should have been one of the main focal points of the novel. It would have given the title of the book a lot of more sense…
= > we don’t really get how « wise » Ruby can miss, during a so long period of time, the fact that Francesca struggles and why, she never excluded the turbulent student from her lecture : it doesn’t make sense to me … + doing such a thing could have been a good start point to help Francesca + having some real brainstorming would have helped the MCs to come closer to one another.
= > More confrontations between Ruby & Mel and the homophobic bully teacher would have been great : Mel should have stand more to show her pride of being gay (creating a bit more drama in the relationship … to make it more believable) … Ruby should have stood by the kids, even more when they were clearly bullied by their teacher. It would have shown another aspect of her humanity and helped the resolution of the problem because it could have shown the dean that her staff follow the Uni policy no matter what …
= > the resolution of the bigot problem on the Uni & kids’ school side was too smooth. I think this issue should have been developed ‘cause bigots are a real threat for the kids …
° the style … I found there were a lot of monologues, thoughts, etc coming from Mel (a bit less coming from Ruby). Because of this (even if I still prefer the 3rd-person narration), I think that, maybe, the author should have narrated the novel in the1st-person, in Mel’s POV … this way all the internal « debates » would have been a part of her narration and made the story more fluent. It would also have been a great way to connect to the character and help us to understand what she lives daily because of her dyslexia (and her battle to keep her trouble a secret). All this would have even been better with the above-mentioned development suggestions.
° the surprising moment chosen by the author to inform the reader about one of the MCs is edging on the throes of menopause … and the clinical aspect of the lovemaking which followed. I confess that’s it’s a turn-off just after the tender moment shared by the MCs.
° 2 surprising mistakes which, yet, are obvious & a couple of other lil things (the publisher will be informed about all this, of course …)
° the lack of a proper epilogue.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no… it had a lot of potential but a lot of things weren’t developed enough.
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not completely …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Maybe someday
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Maybe someday
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes … I just hope the author will be bolder and develop more the important topics in her next books …
- Would I recommend this book => Yes … because people will judge by themselves.
Guys and gals, now it’s your turn … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚⚢👩🏫🚑👩❤️💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of Jenn Matthews’s « The Words Shimmer » from Ylva Publishing …
Thank you for providing me this book. It’s the 1st time I read Jenn Matthews’s work.
My rating : 3 ⭐️
So, here is what I have to say about this discovery …
The story focuses on Melissa « Mel » Jackson’s a forty-seven year old paramedic and Ruby Clark, a forty-two year old nurse and anatomy lecturer at the university where Mel’s looking into courses to try a less strenuous line of her work. They meet during a university open day in July but don’t see each other again before 3 months have passed. One morning, Ruby helps Mel who struggles to exit a taxi because of her casted leg and, then, stays with her going through the Uni campus to reach the building where Mel takes her Masters courses… The uni develops some projects to help some charities. Ruby being late to the unexpected staff meeting because of the hand she gave Mel, she now has for mission to lead a garden project for young school kids whereas she doesn’t know a single thing in this field and says she doesn’t even like children… At the end of the same day, the women meet again by chance in a pub. Ruby explains Mel what’s bothering her. Mel is quite an expert green thumb &, after she made a few helpful suggestions on Ruby’s garden project, Ruby convinces her to team up to make it a success …
The Pros :
° the British settings … It’s good to be back in the UK for a while.
° 2 mature MCs over 40 (47 and 42) without a perfect toned body, including one who’s edging on the throes of menopause …
° A MC (+ a secondary character) with dyslexia, which is the most common « learning disability ». I liked the way the author allowed us to learn some things about this trouble.
° some interesting secondary characters.
° the author’s good humour …
The Cons :
° the confusing cover … the picture on it gives the idea that the novel is a medical drama (more paramedic oriented since it’s written « ambulance » on the work clothes), BUT, even if both the MCs are medical professionals (one is, indeed a paramedic and the other one a nurse who also lectures anatomy at uni), it’s not a medical romance, at all … It’s more a teacher/student one.
° the confusing and changing tropes chosen by the author about Ruby and Mel’s relationship … Ruby has a Ice Queen side when they 1st met so we could think this trope would be followed in the same time than the « enemies-to-lovers » one. BUT, in the end it’s the « friends-to-lovers » genre which wins the trope battle … All this makes the relationship quite unbelievable the way it is told right now. Why ??? => Because it’s disturbing (usually the trope last all the novel long) + there isn’t enough drama between all those phases to allow us to understand the changes : one day they hate each other, and the « next » they go on a date (nope, not a date, they say !!!) and become « friends ». + Personally, I didn’t really feel a lot of natural chemistery between them … so when the emotional « love related » moments come, it doesn’t feel right.
° the lack of the MC’s real background. Not knowing a lot about them doesn’t help when it comes to like and/or feel for them … it could have been great to have some intense medical work scenes for both of them … On Ruby’s side it’d have helped to show her human side (so helped the reader to « connect » with her) and on Mel’s side, it’d have helped to see why her back and knees could appreciate a less physical job and (mostly) witness her daily struggle because of her dyslexia.
° important topics like dyslexia, homophobia and bullying are mentioned in the novel but I think they weren’t treated with enough depth....There’s no real drama. Maybe it’s because there were too many things the author wanted to cover in the same time … too many subjects … so, we just have a snippet of each whereas, from my POV, it’s an intense dose which would have been required. Here are the points where, I think, being bolder by adding some real development would have allow the author to make a stronger and way more mature story. :
= > we don’t see Mel struggling whereas she takes some heavy courses at the uni, while still working full time (once she’s out of her cast and back to work, of course). Tiredness is not known to be helpful, emotions either… I think that Mel’s « peculiar » journey should have been one of the main focal points of the novel. It would have given the title of the book a lot of more sense…
= > we don’t really get how « wise » Ruby can miss, during a so long period of time, the fact that Francesca struggles and why, she never excluded the turbulent student from her lecture : it doesn’t make sense to me … + doing such a thing could have been a good start point to help Francesca + having some real brainstorming would have helped the MCs to come closer to one another.
= > More confrontations between Ruby & Mel and the homophobic bully teacher would have been great : Mel should have stand more to show her pride of being gay (creating a bit more drama in the relationship … to make it more believable) … Ruby should have stood by the kids, even more when they were clearly bullied by their teacher. It would have shown another aspect of her humanity and helped the resolution of the problem because it could have shown the dean that her staff follow the Uni policy no matter what …
= > the resolution of the bigot problem on the Uni & kids’ school side was too smooth. I think this issue should have been developed ‘cause bigots are a real threat for the kids …
° the style … I found there were a lot of monologues, thoughts, etc coming from Mel (a bit less coming from Ruby). Because of this (even if I still prefer the 3rd-person narration), I think that, maybe, the author should have narrated the novel in the1st-person, in Mel’s POV … this way all the internal « debates » would have been a part of her narration and made the story more fluent. It would also have been a great way to connect to the character and help us to understand what she lives daily because of her dyslexia (and her battle to keep her trouble a secret). All this would have even been better with the above-mentioned development suggestions.
° the surprising moment chosen by the author to inform the reader about one of the MCs is edging on the throes of menopause … and the clinical aspect of the lovemaking which followed. I confess that’s it’s a turn-off just after the tender moment shared by the MCs.
° 2 surprising mistakes which, yet, are obvious & a couple of other lil things (the publisher will be informed about all this, of course …)
° the lack of a proper epilogue.
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Yes and no… it had a lot of potential but a lot of things weren’t developed enough.
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not completely …
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Maybe someday
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Maybe someday
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes … I just hope the author will be bolder and develop more the important topics in her next books …
- Would I recommend this book => Yes … because people will judge by themselves.
Guys and gals, now it’s your turn … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
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