Book Review – March by Sunni Oveend

March
Sunni Overend
File Size: 461 KB
Print Length: 244 pages
Publisher: Sunni Overend; 1 edition (May 31, 2013)
Pages: 300 (approx 70,000 words)
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9875667-0-6
Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9875667-1-3

The opening of this story reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada. Apple March, working at a retail clothing store, is under the thumg of her overbearing boss, and the dialogue between Apple and Jackson is so reminiscent of that between Andrea and Miranda. Miranda and Jackson are rude, snobbish and quite demeaning in so many ways.

Apple planned for a career in fashion design and the reasons for why she is working retail and not following that dream are the mystery that is pulled through the story. The reader does not find out until the end what happened at the Emmaline Grey Academy that kept Apple from finishing her education.

I liked the snappy dialogue and enjoyed the many varied characters and settings that were brought to life through the story. It was a glimpse into the fashion industry in Australia and the social elite in Melbourne. One of the reasons I like to read is the opportunity to learn about a country that I may never see and get a real feel for the people and the settings.

Charlie, Apple’s love interest, was a great character, and the resolution of their story is well done and very satisfying. We do want the happy ending with this kind of book that is part reality and part romantic fantasy.

If I had not been sent the book for review, I might not have picked it up based on the title or the cover. Neither gave me a hint of what the book was about, and I like titles that give some suggestion of the story concept. While the cover is an interesting and well-done graphic image, it, too, does not  reveal anything about the story.

However, those are minor points that do not take away from a well-done story, and may not bother other readers. If you like Chick-Lit, you will enjoy this book.