Ann Mauren’s “In The Spotlight” introduces us to the veritable Ellery Mayne. She’s a young, seemingly naive, affable sort with an infectious personality. You can’t help but grow to love her in the span of roughly five pages and then root for her as she tangles with Goths, undercover security personnel, worldly millionaires and even has the bones to stick up for a bedraggled restaurant waitress. Her wordplay and goofy sense of humour put us in touch with her as a real person and not just a character. She’s a coin collector, and an introvert finding her shell a bit too small these days. And she’s so genuine and forthright with her emotions, her opinions and her way of life. When Ellery falls into the warm embrace of love, we can’t help but hope she comes out better and stronger, not scarred and wanting. I hoped Ellery would grow and evolve, and, boy, did she.
“In The Spotlight” is the first of many for Author Ann Mauren. It’s written with personal attention and comes out the other end with miles of personality stretched behind it. The book achieves a sense of realness, whether Mauren has us scuttling around the Kentucky speedway or up the rocky inclines of a hiking trail near Lake Louise. I was inside this book, and I bet you’d like to be inside it too.
(review of free book)