VINTAGE

This is one of the books that will leave you longing for more. You know the kind I mean--the books that once finished, you feel like you've lost your friends. Maybe because I feel like I have something in common with the women in the story, but I am so affected by this story, I am not quite ready to pick up another book.Anyway, it starts out slow and I will honestly say, it took a while to grab me. The story centers around 3 women who are involved with this vintage dress store. I won't be one of those reviewers who feel like I have to write "cliff notes", but I do want to point out that the characters are all developed throughout the span of the book. You keep learning more and more about their past and what brought them to the store. Even the owner, Violet; you will learn what drove her away from home and why she made the decision to own her own store.But once it grabs you, you won't want to put it down and you won't want it to end--both at the same time! If you love character development books, you will love this.BTW-I read the reviews--both good and bad--of this book before buying, so I was prepared for some "amateurish" writing. Yes, there are a few lines that seems kind of pointless, but overall I liked this author's style and would not call her an amateur at all! Give her a chance. I hope she writes more; she may become my new favorite if she does.

This book is about 3 women from different generations and if that wasn't enough , they are nothing alike. The unique and truly lovely vintage shop owned by Violet, is the common thread that brings them together. As the book progresses each one is forced to face, what could've been overwhelming challenges in their personal lives. Ultimately, they arrive on the other side by learning to believe in themselves, even when it feels as if no one else does. And along the way, they learn that they can count on each other, becoming good friends. For me, " the icing on the cake," was the vintage shop. Even though, I personally have not worn this type of fashion, I admire those who do. And I thoroughly enjoyed the description of each piece at the beginning of every chapter. I do like old things. This was a lovely book with a lot of heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Kudos to Ms. Gloss!

"Vintage" by Susan Gloss ( 4 1/2 stars! )I love a good story! And this was a good story, and a debut novel if I'm not mistaken. The story might not have been written with male readers in mind, but it was a good story ...and even some men like good stories!Susan Gloss had the makings of a great story and almost pulled it off. But as entertaining as it was, and as good as it was, I just had to deduct one star because a few selected parts seemed pushed a bit, strained, as if not in the natural flow of the story. I had thoughts that those sections might have been added later?? Those parts didn't exactly detract from the story, but during or right after reading those parts, I stopped to wonder why it was included.But don't be put off or hesitant to read this story - it was a fun and entertaining read. A four-star rating is pretty darned good for a debut novel by a young author. And I'm going to keep my eye out for her next novel ...I'll buy and read it for sure.Patrick

This multi-faceted novel has so much packed into its pages that it is just plain awesome! The plot is twisted--at times sad and tear-jerking, while at other times so sweet that I could only read and smile. But, Gloss presents us with characters that are like someone you know, maybe next door. She then takes those characters and puts them into a plot that forces them to make difficult choices, bond when they do not want to bond, and face their demons in some really unique ways. The small town in which she sets the scene could be anywhere in the world. The tough times the characters face are as real as the headlines on the news tonight. The circumstances are so familiar, I just know that Ms. Gloss has really done some amazing research. The word "vintage" caught my attention; however, Gloss uses it so uniquely that I cannot imagine her using any other title. You may not like some of the situations, but remember, this is life! Great work.

I thought it would be a quirky, fun read. Started out interesting, but oh, it got to be one long lecture about marriage and children hidden behind the facade of an"independent woman".Sorry to say Violet was about as interesting and independent as a brick. She was bossy, selfish, whiney and pretty much a bore.The other characters were less than interesting as well.The whole story was a big happily severe after , let's be conventional and pretend we aren't, because after all, one has two tattoos, one has a broken marriage and one is a pregnant teen. Just for good measure let's throw in an older person with cancer.Don't fall for this boring rehashed fairy tale of love and family. Save your time and read a real story, a biography, Anne Frank, Zelda Fitzgerald, even Princess Diana's lives will teach you far more about the truth of hardship than this crap.

This was a quick, easy, interesting read for me. The storyline was simple and charming. I did not give the book 5 stars because it was a little too simple, and slightly predictable. It was plain to see that each character was going to receive their 'happily ever after.' Everything fell into place almost too neatly for all 3 girls. Sure, they had some struggles, but the solutions seemed to almost fall right into their laps, and life just doesn't always work that way. However, the story was very well-written in my opinion, and kept my attention. I would read another book by this author.

Susan Gloss weaves together the stories of four women, their pain---of divorce and illness and loss--- and their triumphs--- birth and new love. The common thread is their involvement with a vintage clothing store. A charming book, well worth the read.