The Merry-Go-Round Paperback – July 19, 2010

This was a sweet, engaging and at times, laugh out loud funny tale told through Lauren's point of view, with the occasional interjection of sense and nonsense from the other characters. A plausible romance, with a love relationship not torn asunder by fear of vampires or pack responsibilities: no, these were real people, with honest issues that many will find applicable to their own lives. There's nothing wrong at all with escape romance, but the profusion of supernatural and paranormal romance novels often lead readers (and authors) to forget that real people are sometimes as, if not more fascinating than their paranormally infused counterparts.Written with attention to pacing and characters, the story unfolds to present a series of surprises for Lauren. When the judge awards her a barn that her ex-husband had not mentioned in the assets statement for the divorce proceedings, Lauren finds an old merry go round, still glorious despite the grime and neglect. The carousel is a perfect metaphor for the story, neglected beauty and joy, travelling only in circles and tarnished brass detracting from its glory. Lauren spends much of the book doing just that, relying on her anger, hurt feelings and incorrect assumptions to keep her travelling in one single circle, never looking up or out. As the layers of grime are removed, and the renovation of the merry go round begins, Lauren begins to lose her crust of anger and hurt, and starts to look at her own behaviour as potential cause of her unhappiness.The narration by Margie Lenhart was a perfect accompaniment to the story: modulating her tone and pacing slightly to indicate the different characters, without overreaching and making it feel forced or overworked, her words brought characters well defined by the author into brilliant bas relief, and the book was a joy to listen to.For me, there is no requirement that every romance have a happily ever after, but this one does, in a sweetly described scene that left a smile on my face. While the book contains adult themes, and even references to sex, there was no swearing or overt sexual descriptions, this was a sweet read with allusion and reader imagination working to fill in the blanks.You won't go wrong with this story for a quiet afternoon listen or read, and you may just find it was your best decision all week.I received an AudioBook version of the book from the author in exchange for honest review as part of The Heard Word promotion at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions were my own responsibility.

I'd like to preface my review by saying that I really don't like the romance genre much.I did enjoy The Merry-Go-Round because it's not a sappy bodice-ripper. Far, far from your average low-budget romance novels' formulaic plots. This is more like a women's fiction meets romance.The book opens in a court of law, where the protaganist is suing her husband for a divorce. She's angry and feels betrayed over financial setbacks for which she blames him, but you catch on quickly that things aren't as simple as they seem.The property settlement causes them to be thrown together constantly. He's still in love, she's still attracted to him, but can't seem to get past her bitterness. She tries dating another man in an attempt to get over him.The character development is good, loved the cranky father and feisty secretary. I found myself chuckling at some of her misadventures with the handsome, but clueless, man she dated.Not going to give away the ending, but overall, this is a feel-good story that is believable. There are some mildly spicy parts, but they're handled in very good taste.As far as errors in the book go, the author has made it clear that she is correcting them, it's tough to self-edit. They're not so horrible as to be extremely distracting, but I've read on the Kindle board that the book is being revised and the errors will be eliminated, which is nice considering that a lot of authors never bother to correct problems.Overall, the book was more than worth the money and would make a great summer beach read. The descriptions of the Merry Go Round were very well done.Update 6/9/10:I read on the Kindle Boards today that the author has had the book proofread twice and has fixed the errors noted and uploaded the new version. Maybe the person who left the negative review should contact the author and ask for a revised edition. I'm sure she'd be happy to send one.

This book opens with a unique spin--the main characters, Lauren and Greg, are at court about the finalize their divorce. That's a daring opening for a romance novel! Fasano manages to pull it off without making either character the 'bad' guy. There is blame, for sure, in fact, Greg has made mistakes that give Lauen good reason to initiate the divorce proceedings. Somehow, despite this, Fasano manages to make Greg come off as a sympathetic character.Lauren wants as little to do with Greg as possible, but fate manages to throw them together repeatedly.I loved the heated thoughts Lauren had whenever she was around Greg. He's such a likable guy with his blue collar background, easy going personality and well-shaped butt. What woman wouldn't want him?Of course, that's what the reader is asking herself as she reads this. I have to admit, I was beginning to dislike Lauren. Yes, I could understand her anger, but I thought she was being very materialistic. Until I learned more about her. Like she has her reasons for her behavior and she wears her attitude like protective armor. Once we punch through that armor, we see the real Lauren. So, readers, don't give up on her! She's a very nice person once you get to know her.The writing is strong, and I found myself enjoying some of the colorful expressions. The big O' problem was a good one. The settings were vivid, but not overly described, except where appropriate, such as the beautiful description of the carousel animals and the Merry-Go-Round.The supporting characters, Lauren's father, her secretary, and a Scott--a rival for Lauren's attention, are well-drawn and round out the story well. I liked the sub-plot with Lew and Norma Jean.It's well worth the bargain price. If you don't have a Kindle or iPad, Kindle has a free application for PCs and laptops and buying a book through the application is so easy! I love that feature.

This is the third book which I have read by Donna Fasano so I am now officially a fan. At the start of the story we meet Lauren who comes across as rather self centred but by the end of the book her character has recognised her flaws and her personality has softened. I enjoy Donna Fasano's books because she writes interesting characters that you can care about. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author now.

loved this book, a romance through and through with a touch of humour adding to the enjoyment pot!Lauren is a girl who think she knows her own mind but soon realises she doesn't. She's too wrapped up in her career to see that those around her need her attention.Great characterisation throughout, loved the romance behind the merry-go-round element too.Highly recommended from an author who makes the reader care about the characters.

Its an okay read, nothing exciting. I kinda keep wondering what the purpose of the book is.