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Book Review of Just Imagine

Just Imagine
Just Imagine
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Paperback
jjares avatar reviewed on + 3413 more book reviews


This is my first book by this author; as I understand it this is a reworked novel from 1984 (previously named RISEN GLORY). This is a very talented writer; I found myself hanging on to every word. She paints such clear images of feelings; Phillips is a joy to read.

Before starting any of Phillips books, Id read an interview by another author who waxed eloquently about Phillips humorous and imaginative writings. This book wasnt particularly humorous but filled with raw emotion and strong, hard-headed characters.

Choosing to write about the end of the Civil War is always a good bet; she chose a time of high passion. Remember, the fighting didnt stop after Appomattox. This story makes good use of the strong emotion that remained in the country years after the conflict ended.

The plantation, Risen Glory is literally a character in this story. Kit Westin comes to New York City to kill Baron Cain, the man who inherited her plantation. Obviously, Kit does not kill Cain but enters into a sparring match with the Yankee war hero.

Although I enjoyed the story, I did have a couple of problems with it. Some points were repeated too often (Yes, I know Kit thought the only thing she had was Risen Glory). Second, after awhile the fighting seemed excessive and repetitious.

Will I read another book by Phillips? Yes. She is obviously an authors author (Jo Goodman and others are gaga over Phillips). Since I really like the work of the writers who sing Philips praises, maybe I need to take another sample before turning my back on her books.

3.5 stars