A Certain Smile

When I first noticed that this audiobook "fit" on just 2 cassettes and the entire story was told in 3 hours, I figured that it must have been heavily abridged. I didn't mind at all b/c this wasn't a book I was likely to read in its entirety, so I was glad for the opportunity to experience a shortened version of it on audio. However, the reader speaks at a much quicker pace than any other audiobook I've ever listened to, so this might have extended onto another tape had it been read by someone else - a positive thing because although I had to be extra attentive so I wouldn't miss anything, it was nice to lightly breeze right through the story in very little time. It should be noted that the back cover mentions realities of China which test their love. None of these were developed in the plot on audio, in fact, Li's son was never introduced, so I suspect this abrigded version did cut a lot out and isn't as involved as the book. However, the cultural differences and family bonds that tested their love, and the inability to give up their homes and what was familiar to them to permenantly live in the other's world, was certainly satisfying enough for me. I honestly didn't miss what wasn't included. I found the cultural immersion to be fascinating! I admired Miranda's character immensely and I especially appreciated how her confidence in herself, and the manner in which she projected herself, blossomed under Li's influence in her life. It's amazing how being in love has a trickle down effect into other areas of daily life! Although it was a bit odd the way Li initially approached Miranda in the airport, I also found him to be very likable (I might have fallen for him myself! lol) Their love seemed so strong, like soulmates who were meant to be together, and their relationship had such potential. As a sucker for happy endings, I would have liked to see them work out a way to stay together forever, so the end was quite disappointing and sad to me even though it was presented in a tragically beautiful way.

I was fascinated with this book! It was an interesting story with interesting characters who may not have always been predictible, but that was OK. If it weren't for the tragedy of the ending, I would probably have given this story 5 stars. I do prefer a happy ending, but occasionally life doesn't come out the way we hope or expect. Whether or not we agree with the decision the authors made for the lovers to go their separate ways without further contact, maybe it was looked at as the only way the couple could handle the absence of one another and get on with their lives.

Fashion designer Miranda Graham is lost and struggling in Beijing when assistance comes in the form of Chinese businessman Yuan Li. The descriptions of China are wonderful and the people are interesting. The story, while having implausible moments (would you really go out with a perfect stranger in a foreign country if you were shy and scared?), flowed well. Li was not a very well defined character and came out a bit stereotypical, but my main problem with this story was its unsatisfying and wishy-washy ending. I respect difficult decisions like this, but these characters could have come up with something better.

Judith Michael has never disappointed me. She's one of those rare writers whose books never bore us. Judith has written only 10 books, but I could read tons of them, during my whole life, and the pleasure would still be the same. And in A CERTAIN SMILE, Judith Michael made me feel as if the caracheters were my friends, my siblings again. This is a book we wish it to never end. Buy it! You won't be disappointed! Also read from Judith Michael: POT OF GOLD and ACTS OF LOVE

I don't understand why this book is "titled' Constant Image by Judith Michael when the title on the book cover is "A Certain Smile!" Can anyone answer this question for me?