Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos
Release date: 2006
First line: “My life, my real life, started when a man walked into it.”
Synopsis (from back cover): Thirty-one-year-old Cornelia Brown adores classic romantic films…Unapologetically idealistic about love, Cornelia appears to catch the break of a lifetime when the dashing Martin Grace, her own personal Cary Grant, comes strolling into her life…Award-winning poet Marisa de los Santos crafts an irresistibly touching debut novel. Love Walked In is a contemporary tale — steeped in nostalgic, cinematic charm — of love in all its forms.
Review: Truly delightful! I stumbled upon this when I was requesting de los Santos’ latest novel Belong to Me and noticed two things: I was # 47 on the waiting list and she had an earlier novel. So, I requested it on CD to speed my commute and have been driving with a smile on my face for the past week.
The second part of the above synopsis is really the better description. The first couple lines sound pretty schmaltzy, and this novel has more substance than that plot synopsis would lead to believe. Cornelia is very likeable and a wonderful companion throughout the novel. However, an 11 year old girl by the name of Clare really steals the show.
The novel alternates points of view — from Cornelia to Clare — which is most effective when both characters are compelling — and they are. Clare’s story raises Love Walked In from your normal, run-of-the-mill “chick lit” fare to a thoughtful and poignant narrative that has more substance than we are initially lead to expect. Not that Cornelia isn’t interesting in her own way, but as you can see from the synopsis, she pretty much fits the expected formula of most chick lit novels.
My two complaints with the novel involve an unfortunate plot development about 2/3rds of the way through (you’ll know it — a bit of a cop-out) and the ending. Now the ending doesn’t ruin the novel by any means, but the emphasis shifts away from the needs of… someone… and this seems a little out of Cornelia’s character. But, these two comments are quite minor.
Since I listened to Love Walked In, I wasn’t as able to appreciate de los Santos’ poetic sensibilities, so this story may be even better when read, but I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great summer read with a bit more depth than you might expect. Now I’m looking forward to her latest novel even more!
Right now I’m at the cabin reading my husband’s choice for my personal “reading outside the box” challenge: Honor Bound by W.E.B. Griffin. We won’t return until late tonight, so I may save my review of this for next week… Happy Memorial Day!
I have not read any book by Santos. I must look her up. However, for now I need to look up books by Canadian Authors. I have joined a challenge and unable to get books by Canadian authors in India! Apart from Atwood, that is!
A pity!
I loved this book too. Belong to Me is also wonderful, though I can’t decide which one I enjoyed more.
I just found your blog through Sunday Salon and I’m glad I did!
Wonderful review! I have not read any of Santos yet but I will be sure to look her up!
Have a great day!
I havent read this one, but it does sound good.
This sounds good. I haven’t read anything yet by this author.
My book group recently read this book and, to a number, every single one of us didn’t like it at all. We all felt the plot was contrived, the characters shallow (with the exception of the young girl), and it was a fluff piece.
the book I am reading is chick lit but is more thoughtful, like you described Love Walked In, I like those types of books also! I will have to get this one:)
Thank you for the comments!! I just returned from an internet-free cabin weekend and enjoyed reading what others thought about this book!
@Jaimie — Welcome! I look forward to checking out your blog, too!
@Brenda — Did your book club know this was chick lit when you selected it? It seems a little light for a book club discussion, but more substantial than many chick lit offerings.
@Tracy — I would love to hear what you’re currently reading…
I read this ages ago and loved it–although, yes, the ending was kind of predictable, who cares? The book was engaging and fun and well-written. I’ll definitely read more of hers.
A little predictability is nice sometimes, too, isn’t it!
Thanks for the comment!
An online book group I belong to just picked this one as their pick this month. I knew I already wanted to read Belong to Me so I just picked this one up at the library. I’m looking forward to cracking it open.
I’m hoping to read Belong to Me in the next week or so! Hope you enjoy both!
Here’s another review, too:
http://tinyreadingroom.blogspot.com/2008/06/review-love-walked-in.html
Thanks for stopping by Passion for the Page and leaving me a link to your review, Kristen. I’m reading Belong to Me now and I love it, too! I’m really glad I read Love Walked In first. Knowing Cornelia’s backstory makes Belong to Me much more enjoyable.
You’re welcome, Kristi! Here’s a link to your review, too —
http://passionforthepage.blogspot.com/2008/07/love-walked-in-by-marisa-de-los-santos.html
I’ve enjoyed your blog for a few months! Thank you!
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Nice content. Thank you for your information.
“My life, my real life, started when a man walked into it” – I like this woman. I want to read a really interesting book,so i must try this one