September 2011

Bio:

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 950,000 copies of her 50+ books released. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers

Read more about Lena Dooley.

Title: Reinventing Leona
Author: Lynne Gentry
Publisher: Tyndale House
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release date: June 2011
ASIN: B0057Z87IK
Reviewed by: Lena Nelson Dooley

Gentry handles a full stage of characters with the finesse of the director of a Broadway play or a movie.

Reinventing Leona is part of Tyndale’s Digital First initiative and showcases the well-developed talents of its author. Lynne Gentry writes with humor and poignancy that grabs the reader’s heart from the first screen and doesn’t let go until the last word.

Gentry has a background in drama and I saw many ways this helped her craft her book. I’ve never known anyone with that background who has trouble with dialogue, and Lynne is no exception. Her dialogue sparkles with authenticity.

She handles a full stage of characters with the finesse of the director of a Broadway play or a movie. Everything flows smoothly, and each gesture and movement is integral to the story. Then there are the characters—a mixed bag of some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet.

One of the things I loved about the storyline and theme is that they are universal. Yes, it’s about a pastoral family, but the emotions, and sometimes abrasiveness, they experience are part of our lives as well. Instead of being set apart, these people live where we all do and experience similar hurts, joys, and healing.

Reinventing Leona is the kind of book you’ll want to recommend to other readers, and one you’ll pick up and enjoy more than once yourself.