Dream House by Valerie Laken
Kate’s family is perfect. Too perfect, in fact. Her father the real estate maven simply can’t stand the thought of Kate and her husband Stuart throwing away their money on rent for an apartment when they could be building equity in a house, so he decides to give them a check to help them buy. Stuart, who seems to be trying to hold to college life as tightly as he can, is fairly opposed to the idea of buying a house, but Kate prevails and finds a small house in desperate need of fixing up. Not until after they purchase the house, though, do Stuart and Kate find out that it was once the scene of a murder. Although the house itself is not haunted, it and its history begin to haunt their marriage.
Let me just start by saying, Stuart really, really bugged me. Here he was married and nearly 30, and all he wanted to do was go out and get plastered every night with his same old college drinking buddies, and live in his tiny, student-like apartment. I really wanted to kick him in the shins and tell him to grow up. However, this provided a great current of tension in “Dream House,” as Kate was ready to begin growing up with moving in to and renovating their new house.
Although the storyline about the murder was interesting, what I really appreciated was the story about Kate and Stuart’s romance. I liked that things were messy, that I wasn’t sure exactly where Laken would take them, that I couldn’t predict what the status of their marriage would be at the end of the novel.
I wouldn’t say this was my favorite book of the year, but I did enjoy it and found it worth the read.
Buy this book from:
Powells.*
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.*
Amazon.*
This review was done with a book received from the publisher, via TLC Book Tours.
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I read this book as part of a TLC Book Tour. Check out some of the other tour hosts for more reviews. Links go to the host’s site, not to their specific review.
Monday, February 1st: Stephanie’s Written Word
Thursday, February 4th: One Person’s Journey Through a World of Books
Tuesday, February 9th: lit*chick
Wednesday, February 10th: I’m Booking It
Monday, February 15th: Devourer of Books
Wednesday, February 17th: Educating Petunia
Thursday, February 18th: Dolce Bellezza
Monday, February 22nd: Wordsmithonia
Wednesday, February 24th: The Book Zombie
Thursday, February 25th: All About {n}
Depending on my mood, my reaction to characters like that differ. I enjoy getting riled up over characters that are total asses, unless I am irritable, then it just pisses me off. Sounds like this guy needed to grow up!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Monday Movie Meme – Old Man Winter =-.
I keep wavering in my thoughts about this book — I will likely pick it up one of these days, but I probably won’t go racing off to find it either.
I’ve got this one on my wish list. Like Beth I kind of go back and forth about it. Thanks for your thoughts.
.-= Kay´s last blog ..My new books are here! My new books are here! =-.
I think I might like this one. Thanks for your honest review.
Sounds interesting. Stuart would get on my nerves fairly quickly though.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Book Review: Eating the Dinosaur =-.
Good review. I had similar thoughts on this book. I read it – and I liked it for the most part.
This is my first time hearing of this one. I am being much more selective these days *ahem, BLOB* so I may not have the chance to this one but as always I continue to love your review style. I’m always laughing at your descriptions and you had me once you said you wanted to kick Stuart in the shins. Gotta love it when books make you want to become violent!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Two Girls Read Shakespeare: Sonnets for Valentine’s Day? =-.
I read this book while on vacation a few weeks ago and enjoyed it.
I thought the characters were relatable and unfortunately I remember knowing a few people that were married but not ready to grow up at 30 (ie: Stuart). I really enjoyed the relationships, there is a lot to discuss if this was a book club discussion.
There is no way I could live in a house if I found out that a murder had occurred there. I’m sad to say that I’ve never several people like Stuart in my life.
I love your reaction to Stuart – kick him in the shin! Unfortunately, I’ve known a few people like him in real life but he might make for an interesting character.
I’m getting ready to start on this one within the next few days. Thank you for your honest review. I really looking forward to it.
.-= Ryan´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday for 2/15/2010 =-.
I read the synopsis of this one and it seemed a little thin to me. The way you described Stuart was perfect. Really gives me an idea of his character. His “boyish” ways would bug the hell out of me too.
I know guys like Stuart! Of course, I’m of the opinion that there’s still a little of that college guy left in all men!
Hahaha!! Like Nicole, the whole kicking Stuart in the shins cracked me up. Great review, Jen! Thanks for being on the tour.
Stuart would really, really bug me too. Kicking him in the shins sounds like a great idea! This sounds like an interesting read.
This sounds interesting, but Stuart would bug me as well! Thanks for the review.