Sundays at Tiffany's

The idea of an imaginary friend who becomes real to the child as an adult is an interesting premise. Unfortunately, the authors don't really do much with it. The characters were fairly ordinary, as was the dialogue. The worst part for me, however, was the completely unbelievable scene towards the end with the main character's mother, which completely contradicts her previous character and was totally contrived in order to get a happy ending. A big disappointment.

I just with that Patterson wrote more romance novels this being his 3rd one I thought it was different and unqiue but at the same time A WONDERFUL READ. Very easy reading as all the chapters are short and you want to keep reading more and more!

This story, similar to others in which an angel (or leprechaun, or whatever) falls in love and wishes to become human, suffered from an unnecessary and confusing gimmick. Michael's status as an "imaginary friend" was really nothing more than his being "Prince Charming." Jane's character was very likable and well-defined. She was easy to relate to and empathize with. But unlike "Enchanted", this fairy tale fell flat.

To me, Michael's character was off-putting. The rules of being an "imaginary friend" were poorly defined, distracting, and vague. (The author lazily glossed over this stumbling block by claiming Michael didn't understand the rules, either.) Although it would have been a plot device done a gazillion times before, had James Patterson made Michael initially another child with whom Jane had developed a close and trusting friendship, the story would have been better grounded in reality and less silly, while retaining its fairy tale quality. Jane copes with real issues of confidence, betrayal, and loneliness, That only an imaginary man could love her seems pretty sad.

I also found the conceit that a little girl would have a 35-year-old adult male as an imaginary friend unbelievable and somewhat disturbing. Imaginary children or stuffed animals (hey, it worked pretty well for Calvin) make a lot more sense. And a grown man who focuses his continuous undivided attention, charm, and sympathy on a small girl? Yikes. It was a little too close to pediophilia for comfort. Guardian angel -- okay. Imaginary friend? Um, not so much.

Printed in Dick-and-Jane-size type, this is a quick read. It's not boring, just unconvincing and forgettable. Wait for the paperback and read it at the beach or pool in an afternoon.

By the way, for a much more gripping, thrilling, and ingenious story of a girl who falls in love with her guardian angel, read Dean Koontz's classic novel "Lightning". (Okay, different genre -- but "Lightning" works, makes a crazy sort of sense in its carefully set up world, and is an un-put-downable page-turner.)

This book appealed to my wishful thinking element of life. The what if factor. Yet, the over simplification of the characters and ultimately the story, disappointed. I was not surprised at the twists the authors introduced; many were predictable. Jane and Michael are very likable as main characters and Vivienne as the mother is equally unlikable. The book is rather black and white. Towards the end of the story, the characters form different attitudes that help bridge their relationships, but it is very sudden and somewhat unbelievable.

For fans of Pattersons lighter novels, the book is a bit of a letdown. It is a decent beach read, easily finished in one or two days. It is not a book to dwell upon long after finishing.

I wasn't impressed with the book and I don't recommend it. Imaginary friend coming to life, like whatever.Carry on.