4 out of 4 stars
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The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings starts out with four female friends reconnecting at a cabin in the Colorado wilderness. The main purpose of their gathering is fly fishing. While fishing, the women are unexpectedly interrupted by a woman careening uncontrollably down the river. Will she become the fifth member of their "eclectic group?"
I could go on to describe more about the women, but that would ruin the experience of discovering their unique qualities and personalities. Suffice it to say that they represent different ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.
The one thing that they all have in common is the love of the art of fly fishing. Although traditionally a male-dominated sport, the "girls" get together as often as possible to practice fishing. As their lives become more entwined, they share their innermost feelings, desires, triumphs, and losses. They laugh and they cry, sometimes both at the same time.
Sophie, Rose, Amanda, Veronica, and Melody confront their individual challenges and fears. Their lives mirror the rules of fly fishing by exhibiting examples of getting ready, practicing, perfecting the cast, catching, and releasing. These rules become metaphors for the growth that the women are going through while at the cabin. I think Veronica sums it up best when she says, "You never know when one conversation can change your entire journey."
Although the book describes the intricacies of fly fishing, the focus is on character development. The point of view shifts from one woman to another, but the transitions are easy to follow, and they allow the reader to understand the emotions of each character. Each section is divided by the name of the woman who is narrating, and between paragraphs there is double-spacing.
This novel has a lot of depth. I found myself on a roller-coaster ride of emotions while reading. The story is a little repetitive but is well-written, and the tempo picks up towards the end of the book. It culminates in an unexpected situation that changes all of their lives forever.
The only thing that I would add to the novel would be a small map of Colorado to enable the reader to follow the locales where the different scenes take place. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Women of any age will most likely be able to relate to one of the characters. I believe that they are the target audience, although some men might find it engaging due to the fly fishing details. So like the line that got me hooked says, "What are you wading for?" Grab yourself a copy and get reading!
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The Reel Sisters
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