Finishing Touches

by Deanna Kizis

Book Overview

From the author of How to Meet Cute Boys comes a tragic comedy: the story of a woman who just might learn that life, like any good interior, can always use a little rearranging. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446578088
• ISBN13: 9780446578080
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Warner Books (NY)
• Length: 283 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.7" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Not Chick Lit

This book was quite touching, and I found myself welling up in tears many times. I actually feel that the ending was quite happy, and I believe it is better that the relationship with Zach ended as it did. Bryn did irritate me, but I understand her motives. I'd love to read more of Deanna's work.

Loved it!!!

I don't get to read for pleasure very often (I'm in grad school!), but chose this book over spring break. I am so glad I did... the writing was eloquent, and with each turn of events I was eager to find out what would happen next. Although it didn't conclude with the typical fairy tale happy ending, I liked that it was realistic and left me feeling fulfilled. It stayed in my mind for several days afterward, enough so that I actually took time to write a review! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a light, sometimes funny and other times heartbreaking, read with some engaging substance.

Simultaneously frothy and deep, funny and heartbreaking

Not many novels can make you drool over an antique armoire and cry about death within a matter of pages, but such is the power of this engaging, touching and ridiculously readable novel (which I devoured in a day). In her follow-up to How to Meet Cute Boys, Kizis proves herself to be a writer to be reckoned with, tackling such serious subjects as death, grief, betrayal, denial, love, the complex nature of female friendships, and the "ne plus ultra" of California life: the outdoor living room. I love the subtle and spot-on accurate ways that Kizis writes about mourning, about burgeoning and faltering relationships, and about Los Angeles itself, which she renders with an insider's eye and a sweet tenderness that permeates the novel. This isn't chick lit; it's lit lit. And it's fantastic.

the perfect read for anytime

From the author who brought us "How to meet cute boys" comes a more mature and thoughtful second outing. Still there are the great characters, the fun dialogue, and the insightful details about life in Los Angeles. Fortunate for us, Jesse our lead character is an aspiring interior designer and with that Kizis breathes beautiful details and expands our knowledge on all things interiors and you come away from the book feeling refreshed by the authenticity in the details about Craftsman, Eames and Co. Jesse's journey dealing with her best friend's death moves and surprises. The emotions of the book truly hit home as we follow Jesse navigating the taboos of dating her best friend's widower. Pick up this book and surprise yourself by how addictive this thoughtful story can be. The perfect read for anytime, no matter if you're on a plane or taking it easy pool-side, once you pass the first page you won't stop until you find out how Jesse finally blossoms into the woman she always should have been.

Entertaining novel

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (5/06) "Finishing Touches" is the story of three young women and the friendship they share with each other. Cecile has always appeared to have it all; a tall and perfect body, movie star good looks, perfect clothes and plenty of money, plus she is engaged to marry Zach in just a few short weeks. Bryn is the complete opposite of Cecile and might be described as a pop star with her petite build, pale complexion and red lipstick, and she is married to David. Jesse is the narrator of the story and thinks of herself as the cheerleader of the group; always encouraging but feeling just a bit inferior to her friends. Jesse describes herself as the most overweight of the group and has no boyfriend to speak of. However, she did almost date Zach, Cecile's fianc?, in college. Relationships change when Cecile is killed in a car accident and Jesse must deal with the loss of her friend. Letting go is difficult. Zach, Jesse and Bryn comfort each other through this trying time, but what develops soon becomes even more confusing to Jesse. And what is more, Jesse no longer can talk things out with her remaining friend, Bryn. Jesse begins the difficult journey of trying to sort out her entangled feelings. Along her soul searching path, Jesse is stunned to discover some information about Cecile. Could it be that Cecile was not as perfect as her friends were led to believe? Jesse comes to realize she has spent her entire life living in Cecile's shadow. Jesse decides she must change to make Cecile proud of the confident woman she is becoming. By trade, Jesse is a decorator, so she takes a daring leap and uses an inheritance to purchase a furniture store. Through the twist of fate, Cecile's death has taught Jesse to have confidence in herself. "Finishing Touches" will show you that things may not always be as they appear to be. Jesse's realizations are inspiring. We all grow and change, but change can be good. Jesse ultimately reunites with her best friend, Bryn, especially now when Bryn has some surprises of her own! Deanna Kizis writes an entertaining novel for those who favor chick lit. The book is easy to read and understand, and it may help females to learn a thing or two about themselves! "Finishing Touches" would be an ideal book to have on hand to read while sitting around the pool this summer!