What do you think?
Rate this book
Vacation
Dr. William Koval, a pragmatist with little faith in humanity, prefers to dwell in the eerily comforting microscopic realm, where he is master of his domain. But his worldview is upended when he decides to go on the English walking tour his wife had been planning before her murder three years earlier. Only when William confronts his past, including his troubled marriage, will he find a way to rejoin the living, to move forward, and perhaps love again. The real journey, he discovers, lies within.
234 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 29, 2014
40 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 25, 2017
4.5★ Audiobook⎮Vacation is a contemporary fiction novel that feels like a classic in a very “coming-of-age” way. JC Miller sends Dr. William Koval on a hero’s journey worthy of a Greek warrior. Although, the journey William goes on to find himself is as much metaphorical as it is physical.
I would classify Vacation as contemporary fiction, although there is a light romantic theme appearing midway. Vacation is more about life than romance, but since romance is often a part of life, it’s natural that it was included in William’s journey. Don’t expect anything hot and steamy; Instead, Vacation's romance was sweet and endearing. I appreciated that it didn’t overpower the larger plot of William’s journey, which was the main focus of the story.
Vacation was a character-centered tale. The largest obstacle William had to overcome was an internal struggle. As a widower, he was faced with the ultimate task of obtaining closure over his troubled marriage and his wife’s murder. Miller’s use of an internal primary obstacle rather than external was refreshing. Dr. William Koval was a well-rounded character. Vacation is told from his perspective, so we encounter all other characters from his point-of-view. Considering that, the more minor characters were pretty dynamic as well. They weren’t as developed as William, of course, but I still had a distinct sense of who they all were.
Some may find Vacation “slow”, but I think it made for an excellent summer read, perfect for lazy days on the beach. Unlike most “Beach Reads”, Vacation has substance. I was so invested in William as a character that his heartache became mine. It prompted a great deal of introspection on my part and was a bit emotionally heavy in a “Life goes on” sort of way. Miller’s light writing style managed to alleviate some of the emotional burden, making this a surprisingly easy tale to get through. The details Miller provided brought William to life, making it easier for me to connect with him and with the story.
Vacation is a solid standalone novel. At just under 7.5 hours, this could easily be heard in a couple of days. Upon finishing Vacation, I was left with the feeling of completion and satisfaction. Miller did an excellent job of providing the reader with closure. She told a complete tale, with a solid message, in the perfect amount time.
Narration review: You know who the audiobook world is sleeping on? Mr. Curt Simmons. I’ve been singing his praises and recommending him to everyone since I heard him narrate Omari and the People last year. Curt has been blessed with an unbelievably soothing voice. I could listen to him 24/7 and never tire of his voice (I wonder if his wife feels the same way). Curt was the perfect choice for Vacation. It’s like it was written with him in mind.
The sheer sound of his voice relaxes me and makes all my worries fall away. Listen for yourself, if you think I’m exaggerating. And not only that, but he’s talented as well. Vacation allowed Curt to showcase a different set of vocal talents than Omari and the People did. In Omari, most of the characters were from roughly the same region and had variations of the same accent. In Vacation, William encounters people from various countries around the world. Curt gave each of them distinct accents, appropriate to their native areas and somehow managed to capture their equally distinct personalities. Simmons was also dialed in on the considerable emotions depicted in Vacation. The sincerity in his narration made this powerful story all the more moving. Despite the “heaviness" of William’s personal journey, this was one of the easiest listening experiences I’ve had- all thanks to Curt Simmons.
➜This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its narrator, Curt Simmons, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Curt!
I would classify Vacation as contemporary fiction, although there is a light romantic theme appearing midway. Vacation is more about life than romance, but since romance is often a part of life, it’s natural that it was included in William’s journey. Don’t expect anything hot and steamy; Instead, Vacation's romance was sweet and endearing. I appreciated that it didn’t overpower the larger plot of William’s journey, which was the main focus of the story.
Vacation was a character-centered tale. The largest obstacle William had to overcome was an internal struggle. As a widower, he was faced with the ultimate task of obtaining closure over his troubled marriage and his wife’s murder. Miller’s use of an internal primary obstacle rather than external was refreshing. Dr. William Koval was a well-rounded character. Vacation is told from his perspective, so we encounter all other characters from his point-of-view. Considering that, the more minor characters were pretty dynamic as well. They weren’t as developed as William, of course, but I still had a distinct sense of who they all were.
Some may find Vacation “slow”, but I think it made for an excellent summer read, perfect for lazy days on the beach. Unlike most “Beach Reads”, Vacation has substance. I was so invested in William as a character that his heartache became mine. It prompted a great deal of introspection on my part and was a bit emotionally heavy in a “Life goes on” sort of way. Miller’s light writing style managed to alleviate some of the emotional burden, making this a surprisingly easy tale to get through. The details Miller provided brought William to life, making it easier for me to connect with him and with the story.
Vacation is a solid standalone novel. At just under 7.5 hours, this could easily be heard in a couple of days. Upon finishing Vacation, I was left with the feeling of completion and satisfaction. Miller did an excellent job of providing the reader with closure. She told a complete tale, with a solid message, in the perfect amount time.
Narration review: You know who the audiobook world is sleeping on? Mr. Curt Simmons. I’ve been singing his praises and recommending him to everyone since I heard him narrate Omari and the People last year. Curt has been blessed with an unbelievably soothing voice. I could listen to him 24/7 and never tire of his voice (I wonder if his wife feels the same way). Curt was the perfect choice for Vacation. It’s like it was written with him in mind.
The sheer sound of his voice relaxes me and makes all my worries fall away. Listen for yourself, if you think I’m exaggerating. And not only that, but he’s talented as well. Vacation allowed Curt to showcase a different set of vocal talents than Omari and the People did. In Omari, most of the characters were from roughly the same region and had variations of the same accent. In Vacation, William encounters people from various countries around the world. Curt gave each of them distinct accents, appropriate to their native areas and somehow managed to capture their equally distinct personalities. Simmons was also dialed in on the considerable emotions depicted in Vacation. The sincerity in his narration made this powerful story all the more moving. Despite the “heaviness" of William’s personal journey, this was one of the easiest listening experiences I’ve had- all thanks to Curt Simmons.
➜This audiobook was graciously gifted to me by its narrator, Curt Simmons, in exchange for a review containing my honest thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Curt!
December 16, 2014
Vacation by JC Miller was a fun book to read. I wasn’t sure when I was reading this book if I was going to enjoy it but I am glad that I stuck with it because I really did enjoy this book and I am glad I was able to review it. The one thing about this book that I really loved was being able to feel like I was traveling with the characters and seeing places I may never go in my lifetime. I love when the way the author writes makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters and this author does a great job of that.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
FTC: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2015
I love when a book has it's not-so-perfect moments and this one had plenty of them. It made me tear up a few times, too, which is good in my opinion. I felt like the characters were believable and relatable.
June 17, 2019
This was one of those 'cheapie' or 'freebie' offers you get from Bookbub. I can't even remember how long ago I loaded it on my Kindle.
I started reading it without much forethought. I had just finished Wuthering Heights and was reeling from the experience. (A powerful book. I'm still thinking about it.) I needed something "normal" to read, like a palate cleanser.
Vacation was bland and predictable. (Actually, one plot twist was so forced and contrived, I held out hope that I WASN'T making the right prediction. Surely, the author wasn't going to go there. But, yup, that's where she went. *eyeroll*)
I didn't hate it, but I can't say I enjoyed it either. Meh.
November 11, 2013
3.5/5.0
The plot and story line of this sweet escape read are easy to follow, however, the flow gets a bit choppy.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
The plot and story line of this sweet escape read are easy to follow, however, the flow gets a bit choppy.
Read full review in the November 2013 issue of InD’tale Magazine.
September 14, 2014
I loved it!
For full review
http://fandomlife14.blogspot.in/2014/...
For full review
http://fandomlife14.blogspot.in/2014/...
January 2, 2015
This is a beautifully written story of grief and self discovery
March 11, 2015
Interesting
An interesting read with good character development; however, I would have liked it a lot more if the author had not felt she had to insert the f-word.
An interesting read with good character development; however, I would have liked it a lot more if the author had not felt she had to insert the f-word.
August 31, 2017
Dr. William Koval is a 40 year old widower. He loves his microscope and petri dishes, his life being pretty uncomplicated. However, a shadow glooms his life up a bit, his wife, Kathleen, having been killed by a mentally unstable man three years earlier. Now work forces him to take a vacation and he decides on a whim to sign up for an English walking tour, something him and his wife were planning to do before her untimely death. The walking tour brings him some closure and perhaps a new chance at happiness.
I have to say this isn’t my normal cup of tea but I was intrigued by the English walking tour and a still-grieving widower trying to say goodbye to his deceased wife and the life they had together. I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The English walking tour has some bumps and burrs to it and that made it interesting. I was hoping for a touch more here and there. In fact, if the book had all been set in this English country walk, with rich history and some cultural tidbits tossed in, then I would have been very happy with the book. There were plenty of fun & interesting characters on the tour as well but we had to say goodbye to almost all of them when the tour ended.
Alas, the second half of the book is back in the states and is a pretty standard contemporary romance. Should he call her? Will she call him back? Can he get over his past? Will she forgive him? Can they come together over a shared travesty? Quite frankly, it was pretty boring to me. The first half is exciting and different and more than a simple romance. It had complexity. The second half lacked these traits.
The main characters themselves were interesting. William is a doctor, but not a people person nor does he seek glory in complicated surgeries or being a leading expert in some minute field of interest. He’s a practical, quiet man. Deciding to go off to England on a whim was so out of his norm and yet I could clearly see it was him trying to breath life back into this stagnant existence he was stuck in.
Annie Logan is a history buff and also hails from the Seattle area (same as William) and it’s one of those odd quirks that they meet in England. I liked that she was generally soft spoken but would hold her ground, politely but firmly, when she decided enough was enough. She had this trait not only in England but also back home on Vashon Island.
It turns out that Kathleen had a secret, one that William starts to put together on the English walking tour. Kathleen’s best friend, Liz, is now William’s best friend. It’s a friendship that has given them each much comfort, especially when William comes over for a homecooked meal with Liz’s family. I really liked how comfortable they were with each other and how their friendship kept the good parts of Kathleen’s memory alive.
So all told, this story had a solid start with a complex William in an unusual situation. The second half wasn’t my normal fare and while it bored me a bit, I had to know how things turned out for Annie and William. If contemporary romance is your thing, then I highly recommend this book. It has depth.
I received a free copy of this book.
Narration: Curt Simmons was most excellent in this performance. I am truly impressed by his range of not only male & female voices but also his ability to capture nuanced emotions. He had the perfect voice for William, sounding as mild as milk initially and growing in complexity as learn more about William. His female voices were spot on. Each character was distinct and there were several accents for the English walking tour half of the book (Australian, French, British, etc.). He was a pleasure to listen to.
I have to say this isn’t my normal cup of tea but I was intrigued by the English walking tour and a still-grieving widower trying to say goodbye to his deceased wife and the life they had together. I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The English walking tour has some bumps and burrs to it and that made it interesting. I was hoping for a touch more here and there. In fact, if the book had all been set in this English country walk, with rich history and some cultural tidbits tossed in, then I would have been very happy with the book. There were plenty of fun & interesting characters on the tour as well but we had to say goodbye to almost all of them when the tour ended.
Alas, the second half of the book is back in the states and is a pretty standard contemporary romance. Should he call her? Will she call him back? Can he get over his past? Will she forgive him? Can they come together over a shared travesty? Quite frankly, it was pretty boring to me. The first half is exciting and different and more than a simple romance. It had complexity. The second half lacked these traits.
The main characters themselves were interesting. William is a doctor, but not a people person nor does he seek glory in complicated surgeries or being a leading expert in some minute field of interest. He’s a practical, quiet man. Deciding to go off to England on a whim was so out of his norm and yet I could clearly see it was him trying to breath life back into this stagnant existence he was stuck in.
Annie Logan is a history buff and also hails from the Seattle area (same as William) and it’s one of those odd quirks that they meet in England. I liked that she was generally soft spoken but would hold her ground, politely but firmly, when she decided enough was enough. She had this trait not only in England but also back home on Vashon Island.
It turns out that Kathleen had a secret, one that William starts to put together on the English walking tour. Kathleen’s best friend, Liz, is now William’s best friend. It’s a friendship that has given them each much comfort, especially when William comes over for a homecooked meal with Liz’s family. I really liked how comfortable they were with each other and how their friendship kept the good parts of Kathleen’s memory alive.
So all told, this story had a solid start with a complex William in an unusual situation. The second half wasn’t my normal fare and while it bored me a bit, I had to know how things turned out for Annie and William. If contemporary romance is your thing, then I highly recommend this book. It has depth.
I received a free copy of this book.
Narration: Curt Simmons was most excellent in this performance. I am truly impressed by his range of not only male & female voices but also his ability to capture nuanced emotions. He had the perfect voice for William, sounding as mild as milk initially and growing in complexity as learn more about William. His female voices were spot on. Each character was distinct and there were several accents for the English walking tour half of the book (Australian, French, British, etc.). He was a pleasure to listen to.
August 19, 2017
What made the experience of listening to Vacation the most enjoyable?
It's a book that was sad a lot of the time. It had its up and down moments. But what was most enjoyable was going on vacation to England with our main character.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Since we see him for most of the book, and it's told from his point of view, I would say that it would be William. He's also someone that I can commiserate with.
What does Curt Simmons bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He was perfect for this book. He brought William's character to life. You could feel all of William's emotions as the story unfolds. Mr. Simmons also did a great job with the characters that had an accent.
If you could take any character from Vacation out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Since this is William's story. I would say William but now that he's found Annie I would want her there too. I'd want to know if they go back to England and what they would recommend I visit and where to stay. It would be a great way to catch up with them and find out what happens after this book ends.
Any additional comments?
This is a book that I could, in some ways, identify with. I could feel Williams' pain. Our pain is the same but different. His was from violence and mine was from old age. It was nice that at the end of the tunnel you can find love again. It's never easy but if you put in the time and sometimes persistence you can get your happily ever after.
If I had not been part of a tour for this book I might never have read/listened to it. This is one of those that you can't judge a book by its cover. It's one you need to take a chance on. There were times that I had tears in my eyes but that's a good thing. You need to let your emotions out - keeping them bottled up isn't a good thing. This was a pleasant way to help with that.
Like William I went on vacation too. But after listening to his story I almost wish that I had gone on a walking tour. It's a great way to meet new people and make lots of new friends. But that doesn't mean it won't happen - my bucket list just got a little longer. Will make sure to have this book with me when I go. It was also a great way to be introduced to a narrator and author that I have not experienced before. But will most definitely experience again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Audio Copy of this book.
It's a book that was sad a lot of the time. It had its up and down moments. But what was most enjoyable was going on vacation to England with our main character.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Since we see him for most of the book, and it's told from his point of view, I would say that it would be William. He's also someone that I can commiserate with.
What does Curt Simmons bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He was perfect for this book. He brought William's character to life. You could feel all of William's emotions as the story unfolds. Mr. Simmons also did a great job with the characters that had an accent.
If you could take any character from Vacation out to dinner, who would it be and why?
Since this is William's story. I would say William but now that he's found Annie I would want her there too. I'd want to know if they go back to England and what they would recommend I visit and where to stay. It would be a great way to catch up with them and find out what happens after this book ends.
Any additional comments?
This is a book that I could, in some ways, identify with. I could feel Williams' pain. Our pain is the same but different. His was from violence and mine was from old age. It was nice that at the end of the tunnel you can find love again. It's never easy but if you put in the time and sometimes persistence you can get your happily ever after.
If I had not been part of a tour for this book I might never have read/listened to it. This is one of those that you can't judge a book by its cover. It's one you need to take a chance on. There were times that I had tears in my eyes but that's a good thing. You need to let your emotions out - keeping them bottled up isn't a good thing. This was a pleasant way to help with that.
Like William I went on vacation too. But after listening to his story I almost wish that I had gone on a walking tour. It's a great way to meet new people and make lots of new friends. But that doesn't mean it won't happen - my bucket list just got a little longer. Will make sure to have this book with me when I go. It was also a great way to be introduced to a narrator and author that I have not experienced before. But will most definitely experience again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Audio Copy of this book.
December 27, 2017
In many ways, William is a stereotypical research physician but those close to him know he isn't coping well with the death of his wife; rather than moving on with his life, he's withdrawn and finds comfort in solitude. He would be content, if not happy, to be left alone but, fortunately for him, there are a few people who care enough about his wellbeing to force him to take a step forward.
A walking tour through the English countryside doesn't seem too onerous at first, even though William isn't used to this sort of thing or with spending time with a group of strangers, some of whom are intent on being chummy. Their Irish tour guide is a funny sort of guy who's suspiciously inept at this and a couple of his fellow walkers are a bit irritating. Still, it's only for a few days and William has to admit he's feeling a kind of relaxation he didn't expect. When a woman named Annie begins to touch his heart, he's unprepared and, at first, resistant and when he does let himself feel again, he and Annie come up against an unbearable barrier.
Vacation is what I call a love story rather than a romance because there's more depth to the feelings between these two and it seemed quite organic, if you will. The twist in the story bothered me some, first because I thought it was way too predictable but also because it just seems so unnecessary and I think tension could have been created in a less sensational manner. Despite that, I enjoyed this story a great deal.
A lot of my enjoyment came from the wonderful narration by Curt Simmons. I don't think I've heard him before but his voice is one of the best I've come across with his smooth, even tones that tell the story with distinct vocalizations and a comfortable quality that makes me want to keep listening. Ms. Miller wrote a really good story; Mr. Simmons brought William and all the other characters to life.
A walking tour through the English countryside doesn't seem too onerous at first, even though William isn't used to this sort of thing or with spending time with a group of strangers, some of whom are intent on being chummy. Their Irish tour guide is a funny sort of guy who's suspiciously inept at this and a couple of his fellow walkers are a bit irritating. Still, it's only for a few days and William has to admit he's feeling a kind of relaxation he didn't expect. When a woman named Annie begins to touch his heart, he's unprepared and, at first, resistant and when he does let himself feel again, he and Annie come up against an unbearable barrier.
Vacation is what I call a love story rather than a romance because there's more depth to the feelings between these two and it seemed quite organic, if you will. The twist in the story bothered me some, first because I thought it was way too predictable but also because it just seems so unnecessary and I think tension could have been created in a less sensational manner. Despite that, I enjoyed this story a great deal.
A lot of my enjoyment came from the wonderful narration by Curt Simmons. I don't think I've heard him before but his voice is one of the best I've come across with his smooth, even tones that tell the story with distinct vocalizations and a comfortable quality that makes me want to keep listening. Ms. Miller wrote a really good story; Mr. Simmons brought William and all the other characters to life.
September 2, 2017
I heard about Vacation because it was narrated by awesome local audiobook narrator Curt Simmons, who you may remember from my interview with him and his narration of Omari and the People. I was instantly intrigued because it takes place in part in Seattle, and in part in England (where I'm headed for my honeymoon in 4 weeks).
Vacation is a contemporary fiction- it struck me as having a lot of the same motifs attributed to women's fiction, but the main character is male...so I don't know what category that puts it in. There is romance, although it's more bittersweet than swoony. The MC, William, is a complex and complicated man- a good man at heart, but definitely dealing with his own issues after his wife's murder. When he finally lets himself be surprised by life, and give up his death grip on control, amazing and bizarre things happen. But the story doesn't end there- this isn't a morality tale about letting life surprise you. Nope, it continues into the messy, complicated things that happen between two damaged people.
I liked the fact that the story wasn't about the romance. It was about facing fears and allowing yourself to be loved, which is something a lot of people struggle with. And although I was frustrated a lot with the love interest's hot/cold tendencies, it made her a more realistic character. I didn't fully connect with any of the characters in this novel, but it may be the most true-to-life contemporary I've ever read.
I recommend it to fans of women's fiction and general contemporary fiction dealing with loss, love, moving on, and knowing yourself. And, of course, I recommend the audiobook, which Curt narrates beautifully.
Vacation is a contemporary fiction- it struck me as having a lot of the same motifs attributed to women's fiction, but the main character is male...so I don't know what category that puts it in. There is romance, although it's more bittersweet than swoony. The MC, William, is a complex and complicated man- a good man at heart, but definitely dealing with his own issues after his wife's murder. When he finally lets himself be surprised by life, and give up his death grip on control, amazing and bizarre things happen. But the story doesn't end there- this isn't a morality tale about letting life surprise you. Nope, it continues into the messy, complicated things that happen between two damaged people.
I liked the fact that the story wasn't about the romance. It was about facing fears and allowing yourself to be loved, which is something a lot of people struggle with. And although I was frustrated a lot with the love interest's hot/cold tendencies, it made her a more realistic character. I didn't fully connect with any of the characters in this novel, but it may be the most true-to-life contemporary I've ever read.
I recommend it to fans of women's fiction and general contemporary fiction dealing with loss, love, moving on, and knowing yourself. And, of course, I recommend the audiobook, which Curt narrates beautifully.
December 31, 2014
Reading JC Miller's Vacation felt both strangely wonderful and wonderfully strange. Two of my favorite places, rural England and Seattle, were beautifully drawn and absolutely evocative. I've been in that pub, I thought, the one with "Solid wooden tables dense with residue from more than a century's worth of spilled ale, the stone building, cool as a bear's den."
I've navigated kissing gates in country English meadows, and I've stood at the deck of a Puget Sound ferry peering at the lights of an island, "glowing through the distant mist, like a string of pearls". I've marveled at how the skies in both places were so blue, their fields impossibly green.
The other members of the tour group come in pairs--an older earthy Australian and his motherly wife, a dashing gay American couple, a beautiful French mother and daughter--all drawn by author Miller with a sharp but affectionate pen. In this group of pairs, William and Annie are almost a no-brainer for a holiday fling. Except they're not. When the little group is abandoned by their feckless tour guide, a reluctant William becomes their leader as they continue on with their planned itinerary. Annie, the historian, provides the background stories "like little gold nuggets" for the sights along their path.
To the relationship-challenged William, Annie remains a mystery. Even as his attraction to her grows, he has no idea whether or not she feels anything for him. Don't get me wrong: in a normal romance, this would drive me crazy. But about the time I was ready to shake the clueless couple, their relationship takes a leap forward only to hit a brick wall in the form of a devastating revelation about their pasts.
That's about the time I finally got it. Vacation isn't about romance; it's about relationships. And even more, it's about family relationships. Both William and Annie lost parents at an early age, his mother to death and her father to a divorce followed by new families in which "She was no one's special little girl." As the disparate group of hikers begins to gel, I realized what's being formed is more than friendships. It's a fragile, delicate form of family.
That continues even when the tour ends. William returns to Seattle, where he's inherited the friendship of his dead wife's best friend, Liz. Theirs is a comfortable relationship of friendly lunches and concerned questions. But when William is forced to confront the reality of his relationship with his dead wife, their easy companionship explodes. It would have meant the end of a mere friendship, he realizes.
The other flaw, for me, was the big revelation that impacts their relationship. To prevent spoilers, I won't go into detail except to say that in this beautiful character-driven and delicately paced story, this bombshell was somehow too big, too convenient a plot device. It took away from the personal issues each brought to the table by introducing what felt to me like a contrived sledgehammer smashing out results.
And a writer of JC Miller's talent doesn't need a hammer. Take the maple syrup, for example. Subtly positioned through out the novel are references. First, Annie mentions William's childhood in Vermont, only to have him reject the reference.
Then the first attempts at bonding get similar negative maple references.
I'd give Vacation four and a half out of five stars. The heavy plot device aside, it is a beautifully paced and crafted novel exploring what it means to find love, home, and family, even if it's the ones you choose instead of the ones you're born with. JC Miller is an exceptionally talented writer, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
I've navigated kissing gates in country English meadows, and I've stood at the deck of a Puget Sound ferry peering at the lights of an island, "glowing through the distant mist, like a string of pearls". I've marveled at how the skies in both places were so blue, their fields impossibly green.
"The ever-changing English sky was particularly beautiful, wisps of white floating in pale blue. Sunlight played on the wet grass, making it glisten. Celtic crosses hunkered in amid wildflowers, bluebells and poppies pushing through the earth, toward light."But it was also strange to approach what I thought would be a typical boy-meets-girl romance and find that it was something completely different. As Dr. William Koval struggles to regain control over his own life three years after his wife's murder, he decides to take the walking tour of England they had been planning before her death. One of his fellow tourists turns out to be a college professor on sabbatical, Annie Logan, who lives on Vashon Island in Seattle's Puget Sound.
The other members of the tour group come in pairs--an older earthy Australian and his motherly wife, a dashing gay American couple, a beautiful French mother and daughter--all drawn by author Miller with a sharp but affectionate pen. In this group of pairs, William and Annie are almost a no-brainer for a holiday fling. Except they're not. When the little group is abandoned by their feckless tour guide, a reluctant William becomes their leader as they continue on with their planned itinerary. Annie, the historian, provides the background stories "like little gold nuggets" for the sights along their path.
To the relationship-challenged William, Annie remains a mystery. Even as his attraction to her grows, he has no idea whether or not she feels anything for him. Don't get me wrong: in a normal romance, this would drive me crazy. But about the time I was ready to shake the clueless couple, their relationship takes a leap forward only to hit a brick wall in the form of a devastating revelation about their pasts.
That's about the time I finally got it. Vacation isn't about romance; it's about relationships. And even more, it's about family relationships. Both William and Annie lost parents at an early age, his mother to death and her father to a divorce followed by new families in which "She was no one's special little girl." As the disparate group of hikers begins to gel, I realized what's being formed is more than friendships. It's a fragile, delicate form of family.
That continues even when the tour ends. William returns to Seattle, where he's inherited the friendship of his dead wife's best friend, Liz. Theirs is a comfortable relationship of friendly lunches and concerned questions. But when William is forced to confront the reality of his relationship with his dead wife, their easy companionship explodes. It would have meant the end of a mere friendship, he realizes.
"Their uncomplicated friendship, the one relationship he could count on, had blown up. Fragments scattered and realigned, and it would never be the same between them. For better or worse, Liz was no longer his friend; she was family.The pacing and character development get top marks all around, while the beautiful descriptions of places and people were presented with minimum fuss and crystal clarity with only two exceptions. The first exception, oddly enough, is with Annie. We're told that William is attracted to her, but I just never saw why. Although the story was from William's point of view, it would have been great to find out more about Annie, and get some idea of what these two fractured souls see in each other.
The other flaw, for me, was the big revelation that impacts their relationship. To prevent spoilers, I won't go into detail except to say that in this beautiful character-driven and delicately paced story, this bombshell was somehow too big, too convenient a plot device. It took away from the personal issues each brought to the table by introducing what felt to me like a contrived sledgehammer smashing out results.
And a writer of JC Miller's talent doesn't need a hammer. Take the maple syrup, for example. Subtly positioned through out the novel are references. First, Annie mentions William's childhood in Vermont, only to have him reject the reference.
She grinned. "Ah. Maple syrup, right?"
"Promise me you won't mention maple syrup ever again."
Then the first attempts at bonding get similar negative maple references.
The moment was ruined. William longed to take her hand again, to tell her how much he desired to be in her company, but it was too late; Annie had already spotted her Carolina sidekicks. She scampered over to reunite with her companions. As if on cue, Ralph took Winifred's arm. That left Beatrice and Claudine, who glommed on to him, clung to him all evening, like Vermont maple sap.But when William finally comes to terms with his past, maple syrup is also redeemed.
The kitchen was alive with intoxicating aromas. Hot coffee, buckwheat pancakes, Vermont maple syrup, toasted walnuts and bananas. William's stomach responded audibly as Annie filled his plate.
The first bite did him in. The crunch of walnuts, the sweetness of the bananas, the savory hotcake, and deep amber syrup. "These are beyond incredible," he said. "I've never eaten a better pancake in my entire life."
I'd give Vacation four and a half out of five stars. The heavy plot device aside, it is a beautifully paced and crafted novel exploring what it means to find love, home, and family, even if it's the ones you choose instead of the ones you're born with. JC Miller is an exceptionally talented writer, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
August 16, 2017
A chance meeting that leads to passion and forgiveness!
Vacation is a story of Dr. William Koval, who feels imprisoned by grief and loss. After a forced vacation, William learns to have hope and love again. He does not realize that learning to love comes with hurt and above all acceptance and healing.
Vacation is a refreshing and well-written story. JC Miller really knows how to build up the suspense and tension and keep your attention to the very end. The characters are well developed and engaging. The story has just enough description that you can picture you are there in the moment. This story has many lessons to be learned and is an inspiration to all.
Curt Simmons did an excellent job with the narration. He had a crisp and clear voice that was a pleasure to listen to and easy to follow. Mr. Simmons did a fantastic job with the different characters’ voices.
This is the first book that I have read by JC Miller. I recommend Vacation to anyone that enjoys a quick read that is full of romance, grief, hope, and humor.
Vacation is a story of Dr. William Koval, who feels imprisoned by grief and loss. After a forced vacation, William learns to have hope and love again. He does not realize that learning to love comes with hurt and above all acceptance and healing.
Vacation is a refreshing and well-written story. JC Miller really knows how to build up the suspense and tension and keep your attention to the very end. The characters are well developed and engaging. The story has just enough description that you can picture you are there in the moment. This story has many lessons to be learned and is an inspiration to all.
Curt Simmons did an excellent job with the narration. He had a crisp and clear voice that was a pleasure to listen to and easy to follow. Mr. Simmons did a fantastic job with the different characters’ voices.
This is the first book that I have read by JC Miller. I recommend Vacation to anyone that enjoys a quick read that is full of romance, grief, hope, and humor.
July 28, 2017
Vacation
: JC Miller
This book offers the listener a hard working protagonist that is trying to continue on with his life after his wife's death. Along the way we find travel to beautifully described countryside, an assortment of characters that all have their own personalities. There is romance and growth after denial. Plenty of flawed characters, makes it more realistic. The twists in the plot are unexpected, but enjoyable.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Curt Simmons was easy to listen to.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
: JC Miller
This book offers the listener a hard working protagonist that is trying to continue on with his life after his wife's death. Along the way we find travel to beautifully described countryside, an assortment of characters that all have their own personalities. There is romance and growth after denial. Plenty of flawed characters, makes it more realistic. The twists in the plot are unexpected, but enjoyable.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Curt Simmons was easy to listen to.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
May 26, 2019
First, I have to start off by stating that I got this book free of charge in exchange for a review, but as I always state, this does not in any way impact my review. My reviews are always honest and my own.
Perhaps it is because I have recently returned from two months in Florida, but the description of the trip brought many memories back about this beautiful countryside. The hero is an introverted, insecure, and socially uncomfortable pathologist who takes the vacation that his late wife and he had been planning before her untimely death. Over the course of the next few months, he begins to heal from the trauma in his life. I enjoyed this novel and will read more offerings by this author.
Perhaps it is because I have recently returned from two months in Florida, but the description of the trip brought many memories back about this beautiful countryside. The hero is an introverted, insecure, and socially uncomfortable pathologist who takes the vacation that his late wife and he had been planning before her untimely death. Over the course of the next few months, he begins to heal from the trauma in his life. I enjoyed this novel and will read more offerings by this author.
August 29, 2019
This story is wonderfully written with appealing details. The author leaves no ends hanging, the book is beautifully edited with no grammatical or spelling errors. It is a story about human loss, a couple of extremely surprising storyline twists, and through all the anguish and heartache; I will leave this review without being a spoiler.
February 18, 2020
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
February 24, 2025
Builds slowly
The story starts off slow but builds into an engaging read about a stunted mans growth and his return to the living.
The story starts off slow but builds into an engaging read about a stunted mans growth and his return to the living.
July 13, 2012
JC Miller's "Vacation" is a smart and poignant (and often funny!) blend of romance and modern literary fiction that begins when recently widowed Dr. William Koval of Seattle decides to finally take a vacation, a walking tour of rural England, something his deceased wife had been planning to undertake before she died.
On the tour, William meets a host of interesting travelers, but none as engaging as the lovely and mysterious Annie Logan who is also from the Seattle area. It's not long before William begins to have intense feelings toward Annie, and that's where the story really takes off, as William and Annie are forced to deal with secrets from their pasts as well as the cruel ironies and tender mercies of fate and fortune.
Miller does a spectacular job of building vivid characters (a great international cast including Frenchwomen, Australians, Brits and Americans) with whom we can connect, and writes in a style that is simultaneously accessible and gorgeous. Her detailed descriptions of both the English countryside and the Seattle cityscape make you feel like you're there, and she has a great eye for detail whether describing the particular taste of a wedge of cheese, the smell of sheep pasture, or the background sound in a hospital.
Another cool thing about "Vacation" is that it blends in some elegant themes, asking us to consider loneliness, desire, love and forgiveness without ever being pedantic or preachy.
All in all a great story as well as examination of the human condition.
Merged review:
JC Miller's "Vacation" is a smart and poignant (and often funny!) blend of romance and modern literary fiction that begins when recently widowed Dr. William Koval of Seattle decides to finally take a vacation, a walking tour of rural England, something his deceased wife had been planning to undertake before she died.
On the tour, William meets a host of interesting travelers, but none as engaging as the lovely and mysterious Annie Logan who is also from the Seattle area. It's not long before William begins to have intense feelings toward Annie, and that's where the story really takes off, as William and Annie are forced to deal with secrets from their pasts as well as the cruel ironies and tender mercies of fate and fortune.
Miller does a spectacular job of building vivid characters (a great international cast including Frenchwomen, Australians, Brits and Americans) with whom we can connect, and writes in a style that is simultaneously accessible and gorgeous. Her detailed descriptions of both the English countryside and the Seattle cityscape make you feel like you're there, and she has a great eye for detail whether describing the particular taste of a wedge of cheese, the smell of sheep pasture, or the background sound in a hospital.
Another cool thing about "Vacation" is that it blends in some elegant themes, asking us to consider loneliness, desire, love and forgiveness without ever being pedantic or preachy.
All in all a great story as well as examination of the human condition.
On the tour, William meets a host of interesting travelers, but none as engaging as the lovely and mysterious Annie Logan who is also from the Seattle area. It's not long before William begins to have intense feelings toward Annie, and that's where the story really takes off, as William and Annie are forced to deal with secrets from their pasts as well as the cruel ironies and tender mercies of fate and fortune.
Miller does a spectacular job of building vivid characters (a great international cast including Frenchwomen, Australians, Brits and Americans) with whom we can connect, and writes in a style that is simultaneously accessible and gorgeous. Her detailed descriptions of both the English countryside and the Seattle cityscape make you feel like you're there, and she has a great eye for detail whether describing the particular taste of a wedge of cheese, the smell of sheep pasture, or the background sound in a hospital.
Another cool thing about "Vacation" is that it blends in some elegant themes, asking us to consider loneliness, desire, love and forgiveness without ever being pedantic or preachy.
All in all a great story as well as examination of the human condition.
Merged review:
JC Miller's "Vacation" is a smart and poignant (and often funny!) blend of romance and modern literary fiction that begins when recently widowed Dr. William Koval of Seattle decides to finally take a vacation, a walking tour of rural England, something his deceased wife had been planning to undertake before she died.
On the tour, William meets a host of interesting travelers, but none as engaging as the lovely and mysterious Annie Logan who is also from the Seattle area. It's not long before William begins to have intense feelings toward Annie, and that's where the story really takes off, as William and Annie are forced to deal with secrets from their pasts as well as the cruel ironies and tender mercies of fate and fortune.
Miller does a spectacular job of building vivid characters (a great international cast including Frenchwomen, Australians, Brits and Americans) with whom we can connect, and writes in a style that is simultaneously accessible and gorgeous. Her detailed descriptions of both the English countryside and the Seattle cityscape make you feel like you're there, and she has a great eye for detail whether describing the particular taste of a wedge of cheese, the smell of sheep pasture, or the background sound in a hospital.
Another cool thing about "Vacation" is that it blends in some elegant themes, asking us to consider loneliness, desire, love and forgiveness without ever being pedantic or preachy.
All in all a great story as well as examination of the human condition.
November 10, 2014
Vacation is a wonderful story that follows a grief-stricken man's journey of self-discovery while on a English countryside walking tour.
Dr. William Koval lost his wife Kathleen three years ago when she walked into a robbery in progress at a local Seattle 7-11 store. Three years later, Dr. Koval still hasn't adjusted to life without his wife, he has tried to forget the painful past by withdrawing from the world, seeking solace through delving into his work as the head of the pathology department doing clinical research and biomedical analysis at Seattle's Northwest Hospital. When the hospital HR department informs him that he has to use his accrued vacation time or lose it, he begrudgingly agrees to take a two-week vacation that is his first vacation in ten years. He considers a staycation to complete a number of household projects, but decides to embark on an English walking tour vacation that Kathleen had planned for them before her murder. William's vacation in the English countryside will be a journey of self-discovery that will force him to confront the painful past, and open his eyes to the present world around him, so that he can move forward with his life.
Author JC Miller weaves an enjoyable story of love, loss, acceptance, forgiveness, hope, friendship, and redemption. You can't help but get drawn into Dr. Koval's journey as he learns to transition from living in the painful past, and overcome the obstacles that have prevented him from moving forward. Dr. Koval's story unfolds with emotional flashbacks to his marriage to Kathleen, interwoven with intriguing, challenging, and enlightening circumstances and events that occur while he is on the English countryside walking tour. I really enjoyed following Dr. Koval and the quirky travelers that made up the walking tour group, their adventures in the English countryside was exciting, and had a touch of drama and humor in the mix. The author's rich descriptions of the various locales of the lush green English countryside landscape easily transports the reader into the story, so that it makes you feel like you are joining in the walking tour group's adventures. As Dr. Koval's vacation ends, you can't help but smile at the outcome that comes from his journey.
Vacation is an inspirational story of one man's vacation in the English countryside, that unexpectedly turns into a journey of self-discovery that will change the way he lives his life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Dr. William Koval lost his wife Kathleen three years ago when she walked into a robbery in progress at a local Seattle 7-11 store. Three years later, Dr. Koval still hasn't adjusted to life without his wife, he has tried to forget the painful past by withdrawing from the world, seeking solace through delving into his work as the head of the pathology department doing clinical research and biomedical analysis at Seattle's Northwest Hospital. When the hospital HR department informs him that he has to use his accrued vacation time or lose it, he begrudgingly agrees to take a two-week vacation that is his first vacation in ten years. He considers a staycation to complete a number of household projects, but decides to embark on an English walking tour vacation that Kathleen had planned for them before her murder. William's vacation in the English countryside will be a journey of self-discovery that will force him to confront the painful past, and open his eyes to the present world around him, so that he can move forward with his life.
Author JC Miller weaves an enjoyable story of love, loss, acceptance, forgiveness, hope, friendship, and redemption. You can't help but get drawn into Dr. Koval's journey as he learns to transition from living in the painful past, and overcome the obstacles that have prevented him from moving forward. Dr. Koval's story unfolds with emotional flashbacks to his marriage to Kathleen, interwoven with intriguing, challenging, and enlightening circumstances and events that occur while he is on the English countryside walking tour. I really enjoyed following Dr. Koval and the quirky travelers that made up the walking tour group, their adventures in the English countryside was exciting, and had a touch of drama and humor in the mix. The author's rich descriptions of the various locales of the lush green English countryside landscape easily transports the reader into the story, so that it makes you feel like you are joining in the walking tour group's adventures. As Dr. Koval's vacation ends, you can't help but smile at the outcome that comes from his journey.
Vacation is an inspirational story of one man's vacation in the English countryside, that unexpectedly turns into a journey of self-discovery that will change the way he lives his life.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
November 11, 2014
Dr. William Koval lives in a world that totally revolves around his job in the basement of Northwest Hospital, Washington. He is a pathologist that works many hours doing clinical research and biomedical analysis. After his wife; Kathleen, is shot to death this is the only place he finds solace. Outside of the facility he is often left confused, grieving and cannot fill the hole the death of Kathleen left. He was just existing, not truly living!
When the Human Resources Department calls to enforce the rule that he takes his two weeks’ vacation or lose it, he chooses to take the time off. He went from a staycation to a trip involving a group walking tour of England, because he found it on his wife’s laptop. They were planning a vacation prior to her death, so he thought this might do him some good…maybe make him feel closer to her.
He was always just going through the motions, and the writing really helped you understand his much understated sense of life and fun. It was odd to me how he fell in love with Annie, who was part of the group walking tour clan. JC Miller does not have them talk much; it was really just him checking her out, and others from the group feeling they liked each other. I wish JC dug deeper in to their connection, as I kind of did not get it. She did not elaborate on it much, and it really was the most important story in this book.
This story had a few twists that were SUPER SURPRISING! I never saw them coming. Those alone made this story worthwhile for me. Shock factor alone, made this story perfection! Brilliant! I am hard to trick, but JC Miller totally got me!
I felt that some parts of the story were left untied to anything...like the couple that argued outside of the hospital. I still don’t understand what they had to do with any of the story. If you figure it out, please let me know.
This is the perfect, quick read, that does not dig too deep…take it on your vacation or for a day at the beach or park! It was very enticing with an array of likable characters.
When the Human Resources Department calls to enforce the rule that he takes his two weeks’ vacation or lose it, he chooses to take the time off. He went from a staycation to a trip involving a group walking tour of England, because he found it on his wife’s laptop. They were planning a vacation prior to her death, so he thought this might do him some good…maybe make him feel closer to her.
He was always just going through the motions, and the writing really helped you understand his much understated sense of life and fun. It was odd to me how he fell in love with Annie, who was part of the group walking tour clan. JC Miller does not have them talk much; it was really just him checking her out, and others from the group feeling they liked each other. I wish JC dug deeper in to their connection, as I kind of did not get it. She did not elaborate on it much, and it really was the most important story in this book.
This story had a few twists that were SUPER SURPRISING! I never saw them coming. Those alone made this story worthwhile for me. Shock factor alone, made this story perfection! Brilliant! I am hard to trick, but JC Miller totally got me!
I felt that some parts of the story were left untied to anything...like the couple that argued outside of the hospital. I still don’t understand what they had to do with any of the story. If you figure it out, please let me know.
This is the perfect, quick read, that does not dig too deep…take it on your vacation or for a day at the beach or park! It was very enticing with an array of likable characters.
November 15, 2014
This review was previously posted on Coraones Literarios. This book was provided by the author through CLP Blog Tour in exchenge of a honest review.
I like this bok very much. I think it has it all: love, joy, humor, emotions, you cry, and laugh. You get your time with it. But there're two things that didn't work out well for me.
Starting with the things that I like, which were the characters. I really understand William point of view and how much he loved Kathleen, also how much he was affected by their relationship, losing her and lot more. And how complicate was fall in love for Annie. Each character brings something unique to the story and made it wonderful as it own. I also like the whole idea of the book, I think that was great how the storyline was made and how all the situations and action were put together.
Now, what I didn't like were a) William and Annie relationship developing. I wish I could have seen more of it, because even when I know that was the right thing to do (I mean I like they together) I feel like we couldn't undertand very well why they fall in love. It just the eternal inta-love and didn't work out as it should. They should have known each other better before at least say the words. And b) I felt myself dispersed at the first half of the book. Fortunately, I keep reading to the end and enjoy the rest of it, but the beginning ia very slow and it lacks of insterest.
Overall, I recommend this book. Actually, it's a very quick read, easy and very joyful. It would make you cry a little but the rest of it, is just a beautiful way to see a man grow after a tragic lost and believe in love again.
I like this bok very much. I think it has it all: love, joy, humor, emotions, you cry, and laugh. You get your time with it. But there're two things that didn't work out well for me.
Starting with the things that I like, which were the characters. I really understand William point of view and how much he loved Kathleen, also how much he was affected by their relationship, losing her and lot more. And how complicate was fall in love for Annie. Each character brings something unique to the story and made it wonderful as it own. I also like the whole idea of the book, I think that was great how the storyline was made and how all the situations and action were put together.
Now, what I didn't like were a) William and Annie relationship developing. I wish I could have seen more of it, because even when I know that was the right thing to do (I mean I like they together) I feel like we couldn't undertand very well why they fall in love. It just the eternal inta-love and didn't work out as it should. They should have known each other better before at least say the words. And b) I felt myself dispersed at the first half of the book. Fortunately, I keep reading to the end and enjoy the rest of it, but the beginning ia very slow and it lacks of insterest.
Overall, I recommend this book. Actually, it's a very quick read, easy and very joyful. It would make you cry a little but the rest of it, is just a beautiful way to see a man grow after a tragic lost and believe in love again.
May 4, 2015
This is not a romance novel. It’s an intriguing love story. It begins with the senseless death of William’s beautiful wife, Kathy, during a convenience store holdup. Three years later the protagonist, William, is still a basket case. William’s friend, Liz, another doctor, a pediatrician, challenges him to take the vacation trip that was planned by Kathy, three years earlier. This trip is the setup for meeting Annie.
I downloaded the book to my iPad, intending to scan the first chapter and delete the book, but the story hooked me. The characters were well drawn and the plot line kept teasing me onto the next chapter. Even the dippy disappearing tour guide, Aaron Black, was interesting as a character. In addition to the well-crafted writing and the lyrical sentence structure, Miller produced a nice balance between narration and dialogue with a constant subtle sprinkle of figurative language.
The plot line languishes occasionally, but always returns to increasing tension. In the last half of the book, the plot takes a completely unexpected twist. It was an exceptional turn and past that point, I couldn’t put the book down.
My only difficulty with the book was the character William. I could not visualize him as a doctor. He was missing that edge that all doctors have whether or not they’re mourning. Liz had that edge and she leapt off the page as a doctor. William seemed to be more like a liberal arts professor. Regardless, it doesn’t spoil a very good book.
I downloaded the book to my iPad, intending to scan the first chapter and delete the book, but the story hooked me. The characters were well drawn and the plot line kept teasing me onto the next chapter. Even the dippy disappearing tour guide, Aaron Black, was interesting as a character. In addition to the well-crafted writing and the lyrical sentence structure, Miller produced a nice balance between narration and dialogue with a constant subtle sprinkle of figurative language.
The plot line languishes occasionally, but always returns to increasing tension. In the last half of the book, the plot takes a completely unexpected twist. It was an exceptional turn and past that point, I couldn’t put the book down.
My only difficulty with the book was the character William. I could not visualize him as a doctor. He was missing that edge that all doctors have whether or not they’re mourning. Liz had that edge and she leapt off the page as a doctor. William seemed to be more like a liberal arts professor. Regardless, it doesn’t spoil a very good book.
December 11, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
We expect to lose out parents and probably our spouse but only after a long life together. We do not think our spouse will be quickly taken from us by them being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A story that is heartfelt showing that love, loss, acceptance and overcoming grief is just part of moving on.
I enjoyed the modern look at the English countryside. I normally stick with reading historical novels about England but this was a different take on a country I love reading about.
This story would be perfect for that one person in your life that is having a hard time overcoming their grief. A story that will show there is still life after the death of a spouse.
I recommend this book to any who enjoy contemporary fiction.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
We expect to lose out parents and probably our spouse but only after a long life together. We do not think our spouse will be quickly taken from us by them being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
A story that is heartfelt showing that love, loss, acceptance and overcoming grief is just part of moving on.
I enjoyed the modern look at the English countryside. I normally stick with reading historical novels about England but this was a different take on a country I love reading about.
This story would be perfect for that one person in your life that is having a hard time overcoming their grief. A story that will show there is still life after the death of a spouse.
I recommend this book to any who enjoy contemporary fiction.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
January 30, 2015
William Koval has never really dealt with the death of his wife three years earlier--to the extent that he has never removed her greeting from their answering machine nor touched her office in their home. His work became his all-in-all...until finally he was forced to take vacation time and decided to go on an English walking tour his wife had been planning for them to take.
This book points out how our lives can change on one simple decision. The author has done a magnificent job of showing the changes in William's life and in his outlook. Being away from everything he finds comfortable and being thrust into a role of leadership he never expected creates in him an awareness of himself (and his surroundings) he was not used to.
Vacation is the story of one man's journey to the land of the fully-living...which is a journey we should all make. Good job, Ms. Miller. I'm looking forward to more of your work.
This book points out how our lives can change on one simple decision. The author has done a magnificent job of showing the changes in William's life and in his outlook. Being away from everything he finds comfortable and being thrust into a role of leadership he never expected creates in him an awareness of himself (and his surroundings) he was not used to.
Vacation is the story of one man's journey to the land of the fully-living...which is a journey we should all make. Good job, Ms. Miller. I'm looking forward to more of your work.
March 4, 2015
I started the book knowing that something was up, as the opening paragraph didn't make much sense, jumping from buttoning a blouse to being suddenly at a store.
That said, although the landscapes were drawn with loving care, the main character didn't make much sense to me. In a depression after the death of his wife, he falls in love pretty easily, albeit awkwardly, and I just didn't buy it.
As with the beginning paragraph, the characters' actions didn't make much sense and were emotionally pretty choppy, i.e. he can never love again to he is madly in love with one stray hair or faraway glance. I didn't buy it.
I kept reading though, as the landscapes are lovely and I kept expecting something more mostly due to the background characters. They were far more realistic and alive, and I believed them.
That said, although the landscapes were drawn with loving care, the main character didn't make much sense to me. In a depression after the death of his wife, he falls in love pretty easily, albeit awkwardly, and I just didn't buy it.
As with the beginning paragraph, the characters' actions didn't make much sense and were emotionally pretty choppy, i.e. he can never love again to he is madly in love with one stray hair or faraway glance. I didn't buy it.
I kept reading though, as the landscapes are lovely and I kept expecting something more mostly due to the background characters. They were far more realistic and alive, and I believed them.
June 25, 2013
I really enjoyed Vacation! It was cleverly written with twists that I didn't anticipate. The characters where PERFECT. I loved them all. Okay that is not exactly true. As the story continued to unfold, I started to not like Kathleen so much (or what she did).
I love that the story starts out in Seattle and takes us through the England countryside - can you even imagine such a trip - I would love to do such a thing. Of course the story ends back in Seattle. I couldn't get enough of Vacation and just gobbled it up!
Looking for a quick read, mixture or romance, grief, humor, crazy links of events and people....look no further - purchase Vacation.
I totally enjoyed it!
I love that the story starts out in Seattle and takes us through the England countryside - can you even imagine such a trip - I would love to do such a thing. Of course the story ends back in Seattle. I couldn't get enough of Vacation and just gobbled it up!
Looking for a quick read, mixture or romance, grief, humor, crazy links of events and people....look no further - purchase Vacation.
I totally enjoyed it!
August 7, 2015
In a way, this is a spiritual journey of a intelligent man's journey to healing after the murder death of his wife three years earlier. Due to an amazing coincidence, his journey includes Annie and her healing, as well. As I think about it, John's murdered wife leads him on this journey through his trying to become closer to her by enacting plans they had made prior to her death. As the reader, I lived through his pain and healing. My only criticism is that the healing could not be done without another romantic interest. Somehow, I do not think that is how true healing should happen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews