On Hummingbird Wings

January 17, 2011
Snelling (One Perfect Day) strikes a blow for family values in a story about a family that is not close either geographically or emotionally. Gillian Ormsby is a New York corporate executive returns to her California home to take care of her mother Dorothy, who appears to be physically healthy but who won't do anything but sleep. Gillian's sister, Allison, the preferred child who stayed close to home, is being less than helpful. When Gillian arrives after crossing the country, she finds her mother's once beautiful garden as wilted as its caretaker. She is aided in her efforts by her mother's dapper friend, Enzio, who brings killer pastries when he visits, and her mother's neighbor Adam, who owns a dog and a garden store and happens to be handsome. The narrative hits some true notes: Dorothy's passive depression will strike those caring for elderly parents as familiar. Off-notes include Allison, who needs more characterization, and Gillian's generic corporate career. The tale is uneven, but Snelling can certainly charm.

April 15, 2011

Gillian Ormsby's mother, Dorothy, won't do anything but sleep, so Gillian leaves her posh New York job as a corporate executive and returns home to California. There, she finds her sister, Allison, less than helpful. Gillian enlists the aid of her mother's friend Enzio and handsome neighbor Adam to restore not only her mother's spirit, but her ailing garden as well. VERDICT Fans of best-selling author Snelling (One Perfect Day) will anxiously await this latest outing but will be somewhat disappointed. The story is uneven, and several sketchily drawn characters, including Allison and Gillian herself, could have used more fleshing out.

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