Title: Gemini
Author: Penelope Ward
First published May 21, 2013
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.96
Overview
As a diner waitress, Ava never expected anything exciting to happen to her mundane life until a strikingly gorgeous customer walks in. His piercing green eyes seem to see right through her and she can’t shake off the feeling that they have met before.
Little did she know that he had come to find her. Ethan Reid had never thought he would fall for someone so quickly, let alone a waitress.
He knew he shouldn’t be feeling this way, but he couldn’t resist her. Ethan decides to keep his true identity hidden, wanting to know more about Ava before revealing himself.
They soon fall madly in love, but Ethan’s secrets and lies threaten to destroy everything they have built. Will their love be enough to overcome the truth?
Find out in the heartwarming and passionate novel, Gemini by Penelope Ward.
Editoral Review
In her debut novel, Gemini, Penelope Ward takes her readers on a captivating journey through the complicated dynamics of twinhood and the power of first loves. Ward is a bestselling contemporary romance author who has proven her ability to create relatable, engaging characters in her previous works.
With Gemini, Ward continues this trend, skillfully weaving themes of identity, forgiveness, and redemption into a contemporary love story. The plot follows the intertwined lives of Jack and Jillian, twins who are estranged from each other after Jack stole Jillian’s college savings to fund his drug habit.
Years later, Jack returns to his hometown after a stint in rehab, hoping to make amends with his sister and start anew. However, complications arise when Jack falls in love with Lena, a girl whom Jillian still holds a torch for.
The story is set in the small town of Quincy, where the twins grew up, adding a layer of nostalgia that grounds the novel in a vivid, recognizable reality. Ward’s writing style is vibrant, emotive, and full of clever turns of phrase that capture the essence of her characters with precision.
Her dialogue is authentic and laced with humor, making the interactions between her characters a joy to read. Ward also has a knack for scene-setting, painting vivid pictures of the town of Quincy and its inhabitants, from the local diner where Jack works to the abandoned house where he and Jillian used to play as kids.
In this novel, Ward tackles issues such as addiction and family dysfunction with sensitivity and empathy. Jack is a complex character who Ward portrays as a victim of his own self-destructive tendencies, painting a nuanced portrait of addiction that avoids trite cliches.
Ward also explores the fraught relationship between twins, highlighting the intense bond between Jack and Jillian while also acknowledging the ways in which their closeness can be suffocating and self-destructive. Where the novel falters slightly is in its pacing.
The plot can feel meandering at times, with potential conflicts not fully realized or swiftly resolved. Additionally, the love triangle at the center of the novel is not as compelling as it could be, with Lena feeling somewhat underdeveloped as a character.
However, these flaws are minor in the grand scheme of things and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. Overall, Gemini is an emotional and thoughtful novel that speaks to the complexities of family, forgiveness, and love.
Fans of Ward’s previous works will enjoy the vibrant characters and witty dialogue, while readers new to her writing will find a compelling introduction to one of contemporary romance’s rising stars. The novel earns a solid four stars, and is a recommended read for anyone in the mood for a heartfelt, engaging story.
