Jodi

 Pulled off balance she stumbled sideways, watching Tate and Nellie heading out without her. She looked to the one who waylaid her, already suspecting whose hand was still wrapped around her arm. Seth Dickson grinned down at her, his blue eyes shining. “I say, Miss Torres, you're looking prettier than a picture this morning.” Lalita swallowed. “Mr.

 Tate watched his patient, wondering if he should take her to the hospital in Denver---a journey that would take him away from his practice for several days. She was still out after twenty-four hours, and he feared a full out coma. He and his housekeeper, Mrs.

 “Excuse me, did you say the 'time' you come from?” 

She nodded. 

“The time. Not the place.” 

“Well, the place is different, too, since I'm not from around here.” 

“Where are you from?” 

“Missouri. Close to Kansas City.” He leaned in again. 

“When are you from?” She spread her hands dramatically. “The early 21st century.” 

I read just shy of thirty books this year, although I laid down and didn't finish at least that many again. Since I set a goal in January to read fewer badly written books, I'm very proud of myself for laying these down and moving on. And still I only found ten books out of the list that I gave 5 stars to. Am I picky? Yep. I consider characters, dialogue, plot, over-all writing quality, and un-put-downability with every review I write.

Ben: Ben was reluctant to move his arm away from her shoulder, but he straightened and immediately felt the loss. “So, you never answered my question.

There is a skill to reviewing a book. The point is not merely to like or dislike.  It is not to compare the writer's perceived morals to your own. It's a place for critical analysis. Since most reviews give you a chance to rate them with 1-5 stars, may I suggest 5 points to consider when rating. 

Rhonda slipped an arm around her waist and stood looking out with her. She wore a pale pink, knee-length sheath and matching peep-toe pumps. Mari looked at her sideways. “What? No glib reassurances?”

Rhonda returned the look with eyebrows raised. “I don’t know this guy well enough for reassurances. For all I know, he won’t show.”

Mari turned her attention back out the window. “Thanks a lot, that helps.”

Back when I was in college, my father asked me more than once what I was going to do with a theatre degree. I'd always say, "I don't know, Dad, but acting is all I want to do."