Old Fashioned by Rene Gutteridge and Rik Swartzwelder

Old Fashioned: Former frat boy Clay Walsh has given up his reckless lifestyle and settled down to run an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. Determined to put his partying ways behind him, Clay has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. But when Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman with a gypsy soul, rents the apartment above his shop, Clay can’t help being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life.

New to the area, Amber finds herself surprisingly drawn to Clay and his noble ideas, but her own fears and deep wounds are difficult to overcome. Can they move beyond their differences and their pasts to attempt an “old-fashioned” courtship? (publisher synopsis)

My Review: I love the books that Rene Gutteridge writes, and this adaptation of a screenplay by Rik Swartzwelder lived up to my expectations. Filled with quirky yet believable characters that fully engage you and come to life on the page. As the characters developed and the story unfolded, I would frequently find myself laughing out loud, yet was also moved to tears during some moments.

Both Chad and Amber were so determined to run away from their pasts and become opposite of what they once were, yet each were becoming trapped in lifestyles that are difficult to maintain. The attraction to one another, and a longing for something to be a bit different sparks a blossoming romance that is sure to captivate a reader. This really is an old fashioned romance and I am ready for it to make a comeback.

The secondary characters bring an added layer to the story and each presents a slightly different viewpoint. Even the ones that first appeared to have little to add to the storyline were skillfully woven in to add a richness that makes this above many novels I have read. I truly hated to see the book come to an end. On the plus side, the film version is coming to theaters in Feb 2015. I was provided with a few clips to preview and I can hardly wait to see the movie!

 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in order to write this review. I was not asked to write a positive review; just my honest opinion.

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Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/5_nav/guidelines.php#sthash.SpRSg6FT.dpuf

Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/5_nav/guidelines.php#sthash.SpRSg6FT.dpuf

Rik Swartzwelder interview 

Old Fashioned movie website

"Old Fashioned" on IMDb