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Woman in Red

August 6, 2007 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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We’re seeing red here at 5 Minutes for Books. This is review one of two by Jennifer Donovan. You can find the review of The Little Red Book of Wisdom and the prize winners from last week’s reviews here.

Most of my reading of late has been non-fiction, so it was with a sweet anticipation that I cracked open Woman in Red by Eileen Goudge. It did not disappoint. I was immediately transported into Alice’s world as she leaves prison after serving a nine year sentence for the violent act she perpetrated against the man who killed her son in a car accident, after he got off scot-free. She has become estranged from her son, now a teenager, but she returns to the island to salvage the relationship in spite of knowing that she will be on the receiving end of small-town gossip and raised eyebrows. When he is falsely accused of rape, they rally together.

Alice’s ability to navigate the waters of creating a new life for herself while trying to come to grips with the life that her choices created for her makes a great story. Another interesting feature in this book is the flashbacks looking at her grandmother’s life in the 1940’s. She is the Woman in Red who was once the subject of an artist’s best and least-displayed work. Mystery surrounds both the painter and the painting. Who was this woman? What was their relationship? As the story unravels, many of the novel’s characters are eventually tied together in a series of surprising twists. I have to say that I wish the cover were different. I’m not sure that it would cause me to pick up this novel. The cover art isn’t as I imagine the painting to be, and doesn’t convey the subject as she’s depicted in the novel. Fortunately, I did not judge this book by its cover.

I had never read one of Eileen Goudge’s novels, but this was a keeper. The characters are original yet believable. There are authors whom I know will delight me again and again, but there is always something slightly predictable about the author’s style. Finding a new author is even more of a treat than just reading a new good novel, because in addition to enjoying the story, I’m discovering a new voice. I will now look forward to figuring out the pattern of her style as I read more of her novels. I would rate this PG overall, but there’s one intimate scene that is probably PG-13 (see ratings info here).

The publisher has donated TEN copies of this hardcover book so that some lucky readers can discover Woman in Red for themselves. Please leave a comment if you are interested. The winners must provide a shipping address in Canada or the United States.

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The Little Red Book of Wisdom
The Monster 6-Room Tackle

About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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86 Comments

  1. dallimomma says

    August 20, 2007 at 4:30 pm

    This sounds like an excellent book. Please enter me into the contest. Thanks.

    Reply
  2. Emily says

    August 19, 2007 at 11:37 pm

    I love to read this book looks great!

    Reply
  3. Susan says

    August 15, 2007 at 12:32 am

    Hi!
    Not sure if this contest is still open but I haven’t seen the winners posted and I just found your fun site.

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    August 13, 2007 at 7:25 pm

    I would love to read this! Thanks for considering me!

    Reply
  5. Cari says

    August 12, 2007 at 10:25 pm

    I would love to win this contest! Thanks for the review in any case. It’s good to know of a few good novels when I have a chance to read a book just for pleasure!

    Reply
  6. heidi jo says

    August 11, 2007 at 9:23 pm

    Another great opportunity to win a fun prize! Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Briggie, Woodbury, NJ says

    August 11, 2007 at 11:43 am

    This book sounds awesome. I love reading and it’s even better when you find a new author! Please sign me up!!

    Reply
  8. Becky B says

    August 11, 2007 at 11:11 am

    Sounds like a great read – I’d enjoy this too!!! Thanks for reviewing it!!!

    Reply
  9. Mama Zen says

    August 11, 2007 at 9:19 am

    Oooo, sounds good!

    Reply
  10. Bev says

    August 10, 2007 at 3:56 pm

    Here is my entry. =)

    Reply
  11. Jackie says

    August 10, 2007 at 11:26 am

    I love to read!! This sounds like a great book. I always need a good book to read while I am nursing my little one:)

    Reply
  12. Stacia Helpman says

    August 9, 2007 at 11:25 am

    I always enjoy discovering new authors & I love reading nearly everything!

    Reply
  13. Mary says

    August 8, 2007 at 8:17 pm

    Sounds great. I’d love one for my vacation coming up! Gotta have some beach reading.

    Reply
  14. Penny G says

    August 7, 2007 at 9:47 pm

    I love reading – this sounds like a good novel!

    Reply
  15. Foosho says

    August 7, 2007 at 9:25 pm

    Looks great!

    Reply
  16. Jo says

    August 7, 2007 at 8:26 pm

    Please enter me as well. It definately sounds interesting!

    Reply
  17. Dawn says

    August 7, 2007 at 5:55 pm

    It sounds like a very good book.

    Reply
  18. TheAngelForever says

    August 7, 2007 at 4:49 pm

    I am always looking for another great book to read 🙂

    Reply
  19. Donna says

    August 7, 2007 at 2:33 pm

    I sure could use a good fiction book to read! This sounds great.

    Reply
  20. Kristine says

    August 7, 2007 at 1:29 pm

    I love her books! Would love to win this one.

    Reply
  21. Kris says

    August 7, 2007 at 10:17 am

    Sounds interesting. I don’t think I’ve read any of her books.

    Reply
  22. tanyetta says

    August 7, 2007 at 3:36 am

    perfect! count me in 🙂

    Reply
  23. Linda SS says

    August 7, 2007 at 2:23 am

    Just finished Ghost by Danielle Steele this morning & would love to read Woman in Red next:) Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  24. Taowyn says

    August 7, 2007 at 12:08 am

    Now that I am done with Deathly Hallows, I could use another book to read!

    Reply
  25. Stacey says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:21 pm

    Sounds great! I love to read!

    Reply
  26. oh amanda says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:14 pm

    OH, I love finding new authors!

    Reply
  27. Jill says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:07 pm

    I love books. I am giving away 2 at my website also!

    Reply
  28. Sarajeen says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:52 pm

    This sounds like a great read. Please toss my name in the hat!

    Reply
  29. Laura says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:50 pm

    I LOVE reading and would adore a new book to curl up with. 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  30. Jen says

    August 6, 2007 at 9:55 pm

    Yes, please!

    Reply
  31. blondeblogger says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:09 pm

    I LOVE Eileen Goudge! Please enter me…thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Jodi says

    August 6, 2007 at 7:50 pm

    Sounds like a great book! count me in!

    Reply
  33. Karen says

    August 6, 2007 at 6:08 pm

    This looks great, please count me in! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Hallie says

    August 6, 2007 at 6:02 pm

    Sounds like an awesome book! Count me in!

    Mycrazylife

    Reply
  35. Kim says

    August 6, 2007 at 4:21 pm

    Enter me please..

    Reply
  36. Myrna says

    August 6, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    Would love to win

    Reply
  37. Caryn says

    August 6, 2007 at 3:12 pm

    I’d like to read this too!!!

    Reply
  38. Karen (Simply A Musing Blog) says

    August 6, 2007 at 3:01 pm

    Sounds great! Please count me in!

    Reply
  39. Anna says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:58 pm

    Sounds great!

    Reply
  40. @nnaliza says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:50 pm

    Will you contact the winner’s for the addresses? Sounds like a good read!

    Reply
  41. lace says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:49 pm

    what a great sounding book. I would love to read it.

    Reply
  42. Angela says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:26 pm

    This sounds like a great booK!

    Reply
  43. Ashley says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:18 pm

    sounds just like the sort of books i like!

    Reply
  44. Tessa says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:15 pm

    Neat, sounds interesting. thanks.

    Reply
  45. melody is slurping life says

    August 6, 2007 at 1:50 pm

    I need a new read. Please include me. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Lori - Queen of Dirty Laundry says

    August 6, 2007 at 1:46 pm

    Oh wow, this looks like such a good read! Thanks for another great giveaway!

    Reply
  47. Dawn says

    August 6, 2007 at 1:30 pm

    I would be very interested in this read. Please count me in. Thank you!

    Reply
  48. JewelsHud says

    August 6, 2007 at 1:16 pm

    Sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  49. Lynn says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:56 pm

    Sounds like an interesting novel! I don’t do enough “fun” reading! Sign me up to win a copy! 🙂 Thank you, I’m starting a new list… thanks to this regular column here – “Books To Read”

    Reply
  50. Jana (sidetrack'd) says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:32 pm

    I’ve never read any of her work, but this sounds like a good one. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!!

    Reply
  51. Janne says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:25 pm

    Sounds great! Count me in, please.

    Reply
  52. MommaBlogger says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:10 pm

    I love fiction! This sounds like a really good book. I am looking forward to reading it!

    Reply
  53. Jennifer says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:06 pm

    I would love a copy!!

    Reply
  54. Tiffany M says

    August 6, 2007 at 12:02 pm

    I am always looking for something new to read.Count me in!

    Reply
  55. Angela says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:55 am

    This sounds like an exciting book. I’m hoping I win a copy.

    Reply
  56. Sara says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:46 am

    I could use a good new novel. COunt me in.

    Reply
  57. Katrine says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:45 am

    It sounds like a fabulous book!

    Reply
  58. bee says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:42 am

    This sounds awesome!
    Sign me up!

    Reply
  59. Doulala says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:37 am

    I would love to escape in a good book.

    Reply
  60. Susie aka Mayangel523 says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:11 am

    I would love to be included in the drawing. Thank you!

    Reply
  61. Melinda says

    August 6, 2007 at 11:03 am

    OOoo… That looks like a GREAT book. And personally, I like the cover. Very intriguing.

    Hugs,
    Melinda

    Reply
  62. CPA Mom and Soccer Mom Angela says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:42 am

    That sounds like a great book! I’m always looking for “new” (to me) authors. Hope to win!

    Reply
  63. Pam says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:02 am

    Sounds great. Please count me in!

    Reply
  64. In the Trenches of Mommyhood says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:02 am

    Me! Me! Pick me!

    Reply
  65. Jodie says

    August 6, 2007 at 10:01 am

    I absolutely LOVE to read, and it’s always neat to hear of new good books from someone who cares enough to read and share their honest opinion. Thanks for this! The drawing is a great idea – thanks! ~Jodie

    Reply
  66. Crystal B. says

    August 6, 2007 at 9:29 am

    Sounds good. Please include me in the drawing.

    Reply
  67. Julie M says

    August 6, 2007 at 9:23 am

    I love a great new read! I’d love to read this book!

    Reply
  68. Amy R. says

    August 6, 2007 at 9:08 am

    I would love to read this book!

    Reply
  69. Lisa says

    August 6, 2007 at 9:05 am

    There’s nothing like a great book for the summer.

    Reply
  70. Deb says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:43 am

    Oh I love finding a great new book to read – please include me!

    Reply
  71. Joni says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:41 am

    Looks like a good one. Hope I win!

    Reply
  72. Lauren says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:40 am

    Sounds good!

    Reply
  73. Cory says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:21 am

    I would love to read this book. It sounds great. Thank you for all the info you make available here at 5 Minutes for Mom.

    Reply
  74. AshleyR says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:07 am

    Please enter me into the drawing. Thank you.

    Reply
  75. PEA says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:04 am

    This sounds like the type of book I would enjoy reading:-) xo

    Reply
  76. Laura says

    August 6, 2007 at 8:01 am

    I love to read and this book sounds very interesting. Please enter me into the drawing. Thank you.

    Reply
  77. Liz says

    August 6, 2007 at 7:49 am

    How fun to have a drawing. I would love to include this book in my book group.

    Reply
  78. emily says

    August 6, 2007 at 6:44 am

    This sounds like an interesting read. I was just looking at my bookshelves last night, a little dismayed to not find anything that spoke to me. A new addition would be welcome.

    Reply
  79. Michelle says

    August 6, 2007 at 6:13 am

    This sounds like a great read. I’m sure I can find room for one more book on my shelf somewhere. I would love to be entered.

    Reply
  80. GlamBoutique says

    August 6, 2007 at 3:36 am

    I haven’t had time to purchase a good book this sounds like a winner!

    Reply
  81. ukrainiac says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:43 am

    Sounds like a good book for a long winter! Just beginning to read fiction again from time to time, so it’s great to hear about new authors!

    Reply
  82. ukrainiac says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:42 am

    Sounds like a good book for a long winter! Just beginning to read non-fiction again from time to time, so it’s great to hear about new authors!

    Reply
  83. Irreverent, Barefoot Ragamuffins says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:24 am

    Sounds like an interesting read. I looking for some good books to read while I recover from my upcoming c-section.

    Reply
  84. Jenn in AZ says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:21 am

    This sounds like a good read! Right now I am knee-high in to _Skin_ by Ted Dekker. I will be ready for another book tomorrow!! Thanks for the tip! (I’d love to win one, too, btw!) Have a great Monday!!

    Reply
  85. Bethany says

    August 6, 2007 at 2:03 am

    I love to read! This would be great!

    Reply

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