Book Reviews - Heartstrings
Book Reviews - Ball of Wax
Ball of Wax - Semifinalist in the the Amazon American Breakthrough Novel Award Contest
January and February 2008
Ball Of Wax, February 18, 2008
By Jerry B. Larsen "Mountaindrummer" (New Castle, CO)
This is a very well written book. I'm usually into more action type books, but after reading the excerpt from Ball Of Wax, I found myself wanting to read more. The characters are well developed, where I was already beginning to feel a bond with Kristen, and the former racer that she is persuing is very mysterious and intruiging. I found myself very curious as to his reasons for dropping out. The knowledge of Norweigan lore and the imagery created are quite powerful. This is an interesting, visual and intruiging book. It's very well written, and I'd like to read more.Another of Inna Larsen's excellent books. Highly recommended.
Realistic and Enjoyable, February 18, 2008
By L.R. (California)
This excerpt really drew me in and sparked my curiosity, in spite of the fact that I'm usually not a huge fan of the romance genre. The heroine was very likable, and the situation was intriguing and made me want to follow the plot further. I have many relatives in Norway and the Wisconsin/Minnesota area, and I felt the author did a good job of capturing the feel of those areas and the culture of the people living there. However, I do wonder how compelling those reticent Norwegians will be to a broader audience. I noticed that others posted comments saying they felt the dialog was stilted, but I enjoyed the dialog because I felt it was much more realistic than most romance novels. It was refreshing.
Norwegian Fun, February 17, 2008
By MBReader "MB" (CA, USA)
I'm looking forward to reading the full story! I enjoyed Heartstrings and expect the same enjoyment from Inna Larsen this time. She jumps right in with the story, and it's always a great slice of Norway and a relaxing read.
Romance with an ethnic interest, February 17, 2008
By Lora Lee (Mount Horeb, WI)
The author has detailed knowledge of Norwegian culture and presents interesting characters. I appreciate the intelligent heroine who takes on a personal challenge in a foreign country, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
A refreshing take on the romance genre, February 17, 2008
By Bette-AnnK
Inna Larsen's Ball of Wax is a pleasant surprise! I was skeptical when I first downloaded the excerpt because I'm not a huge fan of romance novels. I do read them occasionally when I'm looking for light and easy escape reading, but I usually give up within a chapter or two and search for something of more substance. I've always found that even the best examples of this genre exhibit settings that are cliche, corny plots, one-dimensional characters, and stilted dialogue. But after reading Inna Larsen's excerpt, I definitely wanted to read more!
I found the dialog to be realistic (for the situations described), the characters engaging, and the general writing style to be logical and interesting. I'm impressed with the author's ability to describe an unsual (for romance novels) situation and locale in such a vivid and realistic manner. There is a strong element of realism and knowledge of the Nordic and snow sport cultures. The characters, plot and dialog are well done and the realism and detail of the setting elevate this excerpt to a level of quality that far exceeds the typical romance novel. Ball of Wax appears to be a great book for the genre and Ms. Larsen shows excellent promise as an author. I will definitely buy this book.
Ball of Wax a winner, February 16, 2008
By A. Wright
Ball of Wax is a fun read. Two mysteries introduced in the first 2 pages, an interesting heroine faced with an immediate and unique challenge, an intriguing hero, and travel. Plus its breezy style lets the plot move at a pace to keep this reader engaged -and now I'm hooked and want to read the reest.
Not a generic romance book, February 15, 2008
By Andrea L. Miller (Middleton, Wisconsin United States)
Being a skier, from Swedish heritage and once played the fiddle though not a hardanger, I appreciate reading a romance that doesn't fit a generic mold. A tale of also going back and finding the roots of the family and using the roots to enrich a life.
The characters are developed and not one sided. I can really visualize the people and countryside and feel the snow as the red and blue blurr flashed by. A great story that is well written and well researched as well.
Scheming, Scandinavians and Ski Wax, Oh My!, February 13, 2008
By Hilary M. Murphy "Hilary Moon Murphy" (Minneapolis, MN USA)
There was much that I enjoyed about this excerpt. My favorite parts involved the Kirsten scheming to bring her brand of ski wax to the attention of the local hermit (and skiing champion) that she must recruit for sponsorship.
The travelogue aspect of this novel delighted me. Larsen has a good feel for the spirit of Norway, and how it feels as an outsider to travel through there. The conversations with reticent Norwegians in the local cafe captured the awkwardness that can happen when cultures collide.
Another great book!, February 12, 2008
By Jean
This is another great book by Inna Larsen! I've thoroughly enjoyed both her books. The first was called Heartstrings. She is meticulous when it comes to detail and it shows! An exceptional work.
Norwegian Adventure, February 12, 2008
By J. Springfield (Minnesota)
Like others, I found the author's description of the Norwegian aspects of the story to be exceptional, stirring my interest to visit someday as much as a Rick Steves travelogue. The plot had all the elements needed to engage my interest in the characters so far presented. Kirsten and Trond seemed to be real people with loads of ambition and passion -- but other than that, their personalities are going to come into conflict quite a lot, I predict.
If the rest of the book can maintain this level of interest, it will do well. Five Stars.
Waxing Eloquently (and Educationally), February 8, 2008
By J. J. Fruehling "JayBavet"
A satisfying work of fiction requires believable settings and dialogue, as well as consistency in character development. These are difficult tasks to master. Ball of Wax adds another twist, namely juxtaposing two cultures, that of Norway (and Norwegians) with the United States (Madison, Wisconsin). This juxtaposition adds a level of tension and interest, both to the development of a romance between Trond and Kirsten (will it happen, what might go wrong?), and to the cultural dissimilarities (and frankly, similarities). They make the book richer and more interesting. Larson clearly knows Norway, it's traditions, it's arts, (the hardanger fiddle), history and culture and weaves them into this satisfying romance. Having read her other novel, Heartstrings, I expect Ball of Wax to be equally entertaining, enlightening and satisfying.
Another excellent offering from Inna Larsen, February 8, 2008
By Linda Morelli "Romance Author, editor and rev...
(Maryland United States) Inna Larsen's first release, HEARTSTRINGS, was an enjoyable, heart-warming love story. Ms. Larsen has a way of painting vivid pictures, developing characters one learns to love, and solid plots that carry through to a satisfying ending. In her second release, BALL OF WAX, Kirsten Olsen, is sent by her employer to Norway to seek out the reclusive celebrity skier, Trond Skogheim. While this story is primarily a romance, Ms. Larsen covers a vitally important topic, that of kidney failure and transplants. The story is sensitive, thoughtful and definitely held my interest. In short, BALL OF WAX is her best release yet.
A Paragon of its Genre, February 7, 2008
By Vabukka (Madison, WI, USA)
This has to be the best romance involving cross country skiing and the hardanger fiddle that I have ever read. My one criticism (other than the constant political tirades on the parts of many characters) is that the protagonist is too good for the surly ski champ. She should have found herself a nice fiddler instead! Also, the editor did a fabulous job.
A great book!, February 6, 2008
By Evgenya S. Shelobolina
Inna Larsen has a gift of creating bright pictures in one's mind making a reader a part of the story. I could feel the crispiness of Norwegian snow or my cheeks blushing when Kirsten (a representative of wax company) was making her attempts to approach Trond Skogheim, a famous norvegian skier. I will definitely buy a book when it appears in press!
Patty, February 6, 2008
By Patricia A. Grubb
Great beginning! I want to read the rest of it. Interesting characters, and I'm anxious to know how the story plays out. I would definitely buy this book.
New to Norway, skiing and hardanger fiddle, February 4, 2008
By K. Erickson
Initially I was not following what was going on in the first chapter as I am not all that familiar with Norway, skiing (or wax) or hardanger fiddle. I found as I continued to read that the story line flowed nicely and by chapter 2 did not feel like I would be lost trying to figure out what was going on. Trond seems like an interesting and intriguing character and my interest about him was piqued. What happened to make him a recluse except around children? I guess we will have to wait until the book comes out to find out.
Tough sport, tough choices, February 3, 2008
By Mr. Bumble (MA)
Very interesting plot, with an unusual setting. The heroine sells wax for cross country skiers, and in the course of trying to gain the endorsement of a famous but reclusive skier in Norway, she winds up falling for him. The heroine is a strong and interesting character, and I found myself caring about what happened to her.
Utmerket, January 26, 2008
By Henrietta
The excerpt from 'Ball of Wax' captured my attention right off the bat. I can't wait to find out how Kirsten finds her way through the forest of obstacles before her.
Mix of culture and romance, January 26, 2008
By Wendy Valdez "Wendy" (New York City)
The best thing about this book is the mix of little bits of Norwegian culture, which lends authenticity,with the elements we expect in a romance novel. As Kirsten dicovers the town's secrets, so do we. Can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the book!
Romantic job/ancestor search in Norway--skiing interest, January 25, 2008
By Lena (Middleton, WI USA)
Ms. Larsen's new book, Ball of Wax, kept my interest through these first 2 chapters. I kept rooting for her to find the reclusive Nordic skier, Trond Skogheim, to give her ski wax sales pitch to. She has excellent description of characters and situations. I found that her narrative kept the story thread going quickly. I want to read more about the main characters and their evolving story so I will buy this new novel when it is published. As amateur hardanger fiddler, I enjoy the references to fiddlers and the use of characters with names similar to known people.
Love amongst the ski trails, January 23, 2008
By J. Holmes "bibliophile" (Anchorage, AK)
A unexpected setting and somewhat ignored sport mesh this simple love story of a cross country skier and a sales rep from a wax company. Clever and subtly witty, the dialog of the excerpt will leave you wondering what became of the recluse skier and the eager salesperson. Ms. Larsen does a charming job, and doesn't leave many clues that she is an amateur. I will definitely be looking into the published work, and I don't usually read romance!
I think I could like this athlete..., January 23, 2008
By Wendy
Too bad real world athletes are more like this guy--not in it for the sponsorships and money and willing to share their expertise and time with kids. If only the NBA and NFL had guys like this. The summary I got from the author at the romance novel discussion here at Amazon sounds great. I get the feeling there's an attention to detail that's lacking in regular romance novels. Here's hoping I get to read the entire book.
Buy this book, January 22, 2008
By Michelle E. Chizek "Book Cheese" (Madison, WI)
The author makes a real life attempt to have everyone live the experience. One feels like this book is a life that needs to be lead. This book has real life elements that make it believable. The plot will hold your attention until the very end. This author has a great book to share.
A nice peek at Norway, as viewed through a US tourist's eyes., January 22, 2008
By S. Schonberger (near Seattle, WA, USA)
This excerpt makes me want to read more, even though it's a genre I don't often read. The writing is lively and the plot has me curious about how the main character -- a woman from the US visiting Norway for the first time -- will accomplish her goal of making a good impression on the Norwegian athlete she hopes to sign as a celebrity endorsement for her employer's product. The title makes reference to that product: the sort of ski-wax that makes cross-country skis grab when the skier pushes, and release when the skier glides.
The reader sees a view of Norway over the shoulder of a US woman of Scandinavian ancestry. She knows Norway through stories from ancestors, from ancestry-inspired research, and from research in preparation for her business trip. That viewpoint doesn't seem exactly true in the sense of the way Norway really is, but it seems very true in the sense of the way someone like the main character would perceive Norway when she visits. Since the story centers on her, that's the truth that matters.
To be fair, I have to disclose that I read the story excerpt because I'm an acquaintance of the author. But I really did like the writing; if I hadn't, I would have declined to rate it rather than give it undeserved praise. It's good stuff.
Olympic class! Wanted to read the rest...now!, January 20, 2008
By Sara Thomas
Kirsten sells wax for skiis and is sent by her company to Norway to try and sign Trond, a retired and reclusive Olympic skiier, to promote their product. The writing here is strong and clean, the characters well rounded. The writing drew me in and left me quite dissapointed when the excerpt ended. "Ball of Wax" is a strong contender among the romance exerpts in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest.
A refreshing romance, January 20, 2008
By J. Zeier (Madison, WI, USA)
I'm excited about this book. It shows the author's obvious dedication to detail, evidenced in the well-researched descriptions. I look forward to more work by Ms. Larsen.
Will she or won't she..., January 20, 2008
By E. Webster "reverence partner" (Trempealeau USA)
Will Kirsten Olsen be able to keep her job? Interest Trond in a sponsorship? Be successful at gaining a new lease on life for her son? As in her earlier novel, Heartstrings, author Inna Larsen once again quickly draws the reader of Ball of Wax into her story. She has the ability to paint her characters with substance and to make us care about them and want to know how their lives will play out. At the same time, Larsen deftly avoids formulaic, shallow triteness that would have me saying, "so what" and throwing the book aside.
I want to know how she manages to secure Trond's agreement to a sponsorship, what led him to shut himself off from the world, why he is opposed to acknowledging his son, and what the outcome will be. (I also want to know what role the hardanger fiddle plays in all this.) I'll definitely be watching for publication of Ball of Wax and will recommend it to others as a good read.
Will definitely buy this book., January 17, 2008
By Hotrod (Menasha, WI)
The author has obviously based her story on actual locations and events, which makes it more believable. The reading was captivating, the writing engaging, and I was caught up, not wanting the exerpt to end. I will definitely buy the book, as I am now wanting to know the rest of the story. From this exerpt, I would say the author has a winner here.
From Wisconsin to Norway an Intrigue, January 17, 2008
By Arthur Siegal (Seattle, WA USA)
Ms. Larsen has an engaging style and imparts the feeling of having lived the experience. Is it a novel or a biographical sketch? The plot is intriguing with elements of the unknown, boldly facing it and a sexual, if not romatic, encounter. The excerpt was compelling reading and couldn't be put down before finishing. Yet the reader is left with with an uneasy feeling that there is not to be a happy ending. Finding out will require reading the book.
Great Contemporary Detail, January 17, 2008
By Elcie Gaylord
I loved this ABNA exerpt, Ball of Wax - Official ABNA Entrant. I will definitly purchase and finish it when it is ultimately published (whether by Penguin or somewhere else). I love the details about contemporary life. For example, there is an authentic quality about the way the herione, Kirsten, researches her subject under a tight deadline before leaving for Norway. The plot movement is quick paced and purposeful but not overly contrived. Finally, the subject matter is completely fresh! Kudos to Inna Larsen.
January and February 2008
Ball Of Wax, February 18, 2008
By Jerry B. Larsen "Mountaindrummer" (New Castle, CO)
This is a very well written book. I'm usually into more action type books, but after reading the excerpt from Ball Of Wax, I found myself wanting to read more. The characters are well developed, where I was already beginning to feel a bond with Kristen, and the former racer that she is persuing is very mysterious and intruiging. I found myself very curious as to his reasons for dropping out. The knowledge of Norweigan lore and the imagery created are quite powerful. This is an interesting, visual and intruiging book. It's very well written, and I'd like to read more.Another of Inna Larsen's excellent books. Highly recommended.
Realistic and Enjoyable, February 18, 2008
By L.R. (California)
This excerpt really drew me in and sparked my curiosity, in spite of the fact that I'm usually not a huge fan of the romance genre. The heroine was very likable, and the situation was intriguing and made me want to follow the plot further. I have many relatives in Norway and the Wisconsin/Minnesota area, and I felt the author did a good job of capturing the feel of those areas and the culture of the people living there. However, I do wonder how compelling those reticent Norwegians will be to a broader audience. I noticed that others posted comments saying they felt the dialog was stilted, but I enjoyed the dialog because I felt it was much more realistic than most romance novels. It was refreshing.
Norwegian Fun, February 17, 2008
By MBReader "MB" (CA, USA)
I'm looking forward to reading the full story! I enjoyed Heartstrings and expect the same enjoyment from Inna Larsen this time. She jumps right in with the story, and it's always a great slice of Norway and a relaxing read.
Romance with an ethnic interest, February 17, 2008
By Lora Lee (Mount Horeb, WI)
The author has detailed knowledge of Norwegian culture and presents interesting characters. I appreciate the intelligent heroine who takes on a personal challenge in a foreign country, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
A refreshing take on the romance genre, February 17, 2008
By Bette-AnnK
Inna Larsen's Ball of Wax is a pleasant surprise! I was skeptical when I first downloaded the excerpt because I'm not a huge fan of romance novels. I do read them occasionally when I'm looking for light and easy escape reading, but I usually give up within a chapter or two and search for something of more substance. I've always found that even the best examples of this genre exhibit settings that are cliche, corny plots, one-dimensional characters, and stilted dialogue. But after reading Inna Larsen's excerpt, I definitely wanted to read more!
I found the dialog to be realistic (for the situations described), the characters engaging, and the general writing style to be logical and interesting. I'm impressed with the author's ability to describe an unsual (for romance novels) situation and locale in such a vivid and realistic manner. There is a strong element of realism and knowledge of the Nordic and snow sport cultures. The characters, plot and dialog are well done and the realism and detail of the setting elevate this excerpt to a level of quality that far exceeds the typical romance novel. Ball of Wax appears to be a great book for the genre and Ms. Larsen shows excellent promise as an author. I will definitely buy this book.
Ball of Wax a winner, February 16, 2008
By A. Wright
Ball of Wax is a fun read. Two mysteries introduced in the first 2 pages, an interesting heroine faced with an immediate and unique challenge, an intriguing hero, and travel. Plus its breezy style lets the plot move at a pace to keep this reader engaged -and now I'm hooked and want to read the reest.
Not a generic romance book, February 15, 2008
By Andrea L. Miller (Middleton, Wisconsin United States)
Being a skier, from Swedish heritage and once played the fiddle though not a hardanger, I appreciate reading a romance that doesn't fit a generic mold. A tale of also going back and finding the roots of the family and using the roots to enrich a life.
The characters are developed and not one sided. I can really visualize the people and countryside and feel the snow as the red and blue blurr flashed by. A great story that is well written and well researched as well.
Scheming, Scandinavians and Ski Wax, Oh My!, February 13, 2008
By Hilary M. Murphy "Hilary Moon Murphy" (Minneapolis, MN USA)
There was much that I enjoyed about this excerpt. My favorite parts involved the Kirsten scheming to bring her brand of ski wax to the attention of the local hermit (and skiing champion) that she must recruit for sponsorship.
The travelogue aspect of this novel delighted me. Larsen has a good feel for the spirit of Norway, and how it feels as an outsider to travel through there. The conversations with reticent Norwegians in the local cafe captured the awkwardness that can happen when cultures collide.
Another great book!, February 12, 2008
By Jean
This is another great book by Inna Larsen! I've thoroughly enjoyed both her books. The first was called Heartstrings. She is meticulous when it comes to detail and it shows! An exceptional work.
Norwegian Adventure, February 12, 2008
By J. Springfield (Minnesota)
Like others, I found the author's description of the Norwegian aspects of the story to be exceptional, stirring my interest to visit someday as much as a Rick Steves travelogue. The plot had all the elements needed to engage my interest in the characters so far presented. Kirsten and Trond seemed to be real people with loads of ambition and passion -- but other than that, their personalities are going to come into conflict quite a lot, I predict.
If the rest of the book can maintain this level of interest, it will do well. Five Stars.
Waxing Eloquently (and Educationally), February 8, 2008
By J. J. Fruehling "JayBavet"
A satisfying work of fiction requires believable settings and dialogue, as well as consistency in character development. These are difficult tasks to master. Ball of Wax adds another twist, namely juxtaposing two cultures, that of Norway (and Norwegians) with the United States (Madison, Wisconsin). This juxtaposition adds a level of tension and interest, both to the development of a romance between Trond and Kirsten (will it happen, what might go wrong?), and to the cultural dissimilarities (and frankly, similarities). They make the book richer and more interesting. Larson clearly knows Norway, it's traditions, it's arts, (the hardanger fiddle), history and culture and weaves them into this satisfying romance. Having read her other novel, Heartstrings, I expect Ball of Wax to be equally entertaining, enlightening and satisfying.
Another excellent offering from Inna Larsen, February 8, 2008
By Linda Morelli "Romance Author, editor and rev...
(Maryland United States) Inna Larsen's first release, HEARTSTRINGS, was an enjoyable, heart-warming love story. Ms. Larsen has a way of painting vivid pictures, developing characters one learns to love, and solid plots that carry through to a satisfying ending. In her second release, BALL OF WAX, Kirsten Olsen, is sent by her employer to Norway to seek out the reclusive celebrity skier, Trond Skogheim. While this story is primarily a romance, Ms. Larsen covers a vitally important topic, that of kidney failure and transplants. The story is sensitive, thoughtful and definitely held my interest. In short, BALL OF WAX is her best release yet.
A Paragon of its Genre, February 7, 2008
By Vabukka (Madison, WI, USA)
This has to be the best romance involving cross country skiing and the hardanger fiddle that I have ever read. My one criticism (other than the constant political tirades on the parts of many characters) is that the protagonist is too good for the surly ski champ. She should have found herself a nice fiddler instead! Also, the editor did a fabulous job.
A great book!, February 6, 2008
By Evgenya S. Shelobolina
Inna Larsen has a gift of creating bright pictures in one's mind making a reader a part of the story. I could feel the crispiness of Norwegian snow or my cheeks blushing when Kirsten (a representative of wax company) was making her attempts to approach Trond Skogheim, a famous norvegian skier. I will definitely buy a book when it appears in press!
Patty, February 6, 2008
By Patricia A. Grubb
Great beginning! I want to read the rest of it. Interesting characters, and I'm anxious to know how the story plays out. I would definitely buy this book.
New to Norway, skiing and hardanger fiddle, February 4, 2008
By K. Erickson
Initially I was not following what was going on in the first chapter as I am not all that familiar with Norway, skiing (or wax) or hardanger fiddle. I found as I continued to read that the story line flowed nicely and by chapter 2 did not feel like I would be lost trying to figure out what was going on. Trond seems like an interesting and intriguing character and my interest about him was piqued. What happened to make him a recluse except around children? I guess we will have to wait until the book comes out to find out.
Tough sport, tough choices, February 3, 2008
By Mr. Bumble (MA)
Very interesting plot, with an unusual setting. The heroine sells wax for cross country skiers, and in the course of trying to gain the endorsement of a famous but reclusive skier in Norway, she winds up falling for him. The heroine is a strong and interesting character, and I found myself caring about what happened to her.
Utmerket, January 26, 2008
By Henrietta
The excerpt from 'Ball of Wax' captured my attention right off the bat. I can't wait to find out how Kirsten finds her way through the forest of obstacles before her.
Mix of culture and romance, January 26, 2008
By Wendy Valdez "Wendy" (New York City)
The best thing about this book is the mix of little bits of Norwegian culture, which lends authenticity,with the elements we expect in a romance novel. As Kirsten dicovers the town's secrets, so do we. Can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the book!
Romantic job/ancestor search in Norway--skiing interest, January 25, 2008
By Lena (Middleton, WI USA)
Ms. Larsen's new book, Ball of Wax, kept my interest through these first 2 chapters. I kept rooting for her to find the reclusive Nordic skier, Trond Skogheim, to give her ski wax sales pitch to. She has excellent description of characters and situations. I found that her narrative kept the story thread going quickly. I want to read more about the main characters and their evolving story so I will buy this new novel when it is published. As amateur hardanger fiddler, I enjoy the references to fiddlers and the use of characters with names similar to known people.
Love amongst the ski trails, January 23, 2008
By J. Holmes "bibliophile" (Anchorage, AK)
A unexpected setting and somewhat ignored sport mesh this simple love story of a cross country skier and a sales rep from a wax company. Clever and subtly witty, the dialog of the excerpt will leave you wondering what became of the recluse skier and the eager salesperson. Ms. Larsen does a charming job, and doesn't leave many clues that she is an amateur. I will definitely be looking into the published work, and I don't usually read romance!
I think I could like this athlete..., January 23, 2008
By Wendy
Too bad real world athletes are more like this guy--not in it for the sponsorships and money and willing to share their expertise and time with kids. If only the NBA and NFL had guys like this. The summary I got from the author at the romance novel discussion here at Amazon sounds great. I get the feeling there's an attention to detail that's lacking in regular romance novels. Here's hoping I get to read the entire book.
Buy this book, January 22, 2008
By Michelle E. Chizek "Book Cheese" (Madison, WI)
The author makes a real life attempt to have everyone live the experience. One feels like this book is a life that needs to be lead. This book has real life elements that make it believable. The plot will hold your attention until the very end. This author has a great book to share.
A nice peek at Norway, as viewed through a US tourist's eyes., January 22, 2008
By S. Schonberger (near Seattle, WA, USA)
This excerpt makes me want to read more, even though it's a genre I don't often read. The writing is lively and the plot has me curious about how the main character -- a woman from the US visiting Norway for the first time -- will accomplish her goal of making a good impression on the Norwegian athlete she hopes to sign as a celebrity endorsement for her employer's product. The title makes reference to that product: the sort of ski-wax that makes cross-country skis grab when the skier pushes, and release when the skier glides.
The reader sees a view of Norway over the shoulder of a US woman of Scandinavian ancestry. She knows Norway through stories from ancestors, from ancestry-inspired research, and from research in preparation for her business trip. That viewpoint doesn't seem exactly true in the sense of the way Norway really is, but it seems very true in the sense of the way someone like the main character would perceive Norway when she visits. Since the story centers on her, that's the truth that matters.
To be fair, I have to disclose that I read the story excerpt because I'm an acquaintance of the author. But I really did like the writing; if I hadn't, I would have declined to rate it rather than give it undeserved praise. It's good stuff.
Olympic class! Wanted to read the rest...now!, January 20, 2008
By Sara Thomas
Kirsten sells wax for skiis and is sent by her company to Norway to try and sign Trond, a retired and reclusive Olympic skiier, to promote their product. The writing here is strong and clean, the characters well rounded. The writing drew me in and left me quite dissapointed when the excerpt ended. "Ball of Wax" is a strong contender among the romance exerpts in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest.
A refreshing romance, January 20, 2008
By J. Zeier (Madison, WI, USA)
I'm excited about this book. It shows the author's obvious dedication to detail, evidenced in the well-researched descriptions. I look forward to more work by Ms. Larsen.
Will she or won't she..., January 20, 2008
By E. Webster "reverence partner" (Trempealeau USA)
Will Kirsten Olsen be able to keep her job? Interest Trond in a sponsorship? Be successful at gaining a new lease on life for her son? As in her earlier novel, Heartstrings, author Inna Larsen once again quickly draws the reader of Ball of Wax into her story. She has the ability to paint her characters with substance and to make us care about them and want to know how their lives will play out. At the same time, Larsen deftly avoids formulaic, shallow triteness that would have me saying, "so what" and throwing the book aside.
I want to know how she manages to secure Trond's agreement to a sponsorship, what led him to shut himself off from the world, why he is opposed to acknowledging his son, and what the outcome will be. (I also want to know what role the hardanger fiddle plays in all this.) I'll definitely be watching for publication of Ball of Wax and will recommend it to others as a good read.
Will definitely buy this book., January 17, 2008
By Hotrod (Menasha, WI)
The author has obviously based her story on actual locations and events, which makes it more believable. The reading was captivating, the writing engaging, and I was caught up, not wanting the exerpt to end. I will definitely buy the book, as I am now wanting to know the rest of the story. From this exerpt, I would say the author has a winner here.
From Wisconsin to Norway an Intrigue, January 17, 2008
By Arthur Siegal (Seattle, WA USA)
Ms. Larsen has an engaging style and imparts the feeling of having lived the experience. Is it a novel or a biographical sketch? The plot is intriguing with elements of the unknown, boldly facing it and a sexual, if not romatic, encounter. The excerpt was compelling reading and couldn't be put down before finishing. Yet the reader is left with with an uneasy feeling that there is not to be a happy ending. Finding out will require reading the book.
Great Contemporary Detail, January 17, 2008
By Elcie Gaylord
I loved this ABNA exerpt, Ball of Wax - Official ABNA Entrant. I will definitly purchase and finish it when it is ultimately published (whether by Penguin or somewhere else). I love the details about contemporary life. For example, there is an authentic quality about the way the herione, Kirsten, researches her subject under a tight deadline before leaving for Norway. The plot movement is quick paced and purposeful but not overly contrived. Finally, the subject matter is completely fresh! Kudos to Inna Larsen.