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Reader Reviews for "Puddles"

Reviewed by Terry Vinson	9/9/2004
Lynn, My wife Kim just finished 'PUDDLES' and absolutely loved it! She commented she 'wished I'd give up the 'Creepshow fiction' and write like you! I'm just now into BJOYFL and am finding it a fresh, enjoyable read. You have a unique prose that is a true pleasure to delve into. Your talent is obvious, but also your love of writing shines through in every character...every word...and every page. Thanks again for the honor of recieving your signed novels... Terry
Reviewed by OnepoetGem *	2/10/2004
Congradulations Lynn, sounds good to me. You are such an inspiration in joy and achievement. love G
Reviewed by Joyce Scarbrough	10/12/2003
Remember the simple joy of childhood pleasures like finding images in clouds and jumping in puddles? That's where Lynn Barry got the title for "Puddles" and it's the feeling you get as you read it. Although the characters are facing some pretty big problems, the story has such an underlying sense of faith and appreciation for the little things in life that are really important, you can't help feeling uplifted as you read. The plot is compelling and uncluttered with flowery prose that gets in the way of the action, and all the subplots come together for a satisfying ending. The characters are realistic and so varied that readers of all ages and genders should relate to at least one of them and empathize with the others. This is a book that reminds us to laugh at ourselves and enjoy those occasions when we're so busy living we walk right into one of life's puddles.
Reviewed by Byron Abrams	12/29/2002
Sounds great, Lynn. Modern day subject, modern day events. My wife, another Susan, and I are gonna love it! Byron John Adams - Space Cadet
Reviewed by Henry Custer	12/25/2002
Being a man I was surprised to find myself sympathizing and even identifying with Susan as she struggles to understand her friends and family. Reminiscent of 'Payton Place', her life really does resemble the afternoon soaps she loves to watch. Puddles is a completely believable, smooth flowing account of ordinary, and not so ordinary, life. It reminded me of Erma Bombeck's 'The Grass is Always Greener over the Septic Tank', but with more substance. A wonderfully moving story with never a dull moment, where love and faith conquers all. And, Mrs. Barry has accomplished this without bludgeoning the reader with crude or distasteful language. I highly recommend 'Puddles' to anyone who wants to be entertained and titillated.
Reviewed by Teresa Starkey	11/13/2002
Lynn's talent for dialogue is impressive. This will be another fine book to add to my collection. Teresa Harrison Starkey, Author A GOOD WOMAN'S HELL: The Journey Through and Out of Darkness
Reviewed by Marcyle Taliaferro	11/13/2002
Enjoyed your book, Lynn! A really great read.
Reviewed by Lehua Kane	9/22/2002
Such a wonderful story and memorable characters whom one can truly feel for. Great dialogue and emotional content too! An excellent read Lynn!
Reviewed by James Filegar	8/20/2002
WOW! Good read! AND, I am sure ALL parents out there relate! I know I do. Were we that way.... naah. Now...I gotta buy the book! James 'Gus' Filegar Author Fathers, Sons, and Brothers
Reviewed by L.C. Martin	8/18/2002
This is a definate must read! I'm sure we all can relate to this story of reality and fantasy meshing together.
Reviewed by Abby Parks	8/10/2002
Not a single word is wasted in this straight-forward story which weaves the struggles of at least ten characters together to produce a seamless study of how lives can fall apart in the blink of an eye, but can also be sewn back together. The author's low key approach to character description and narrative leaves much to the imagination, which lends the reader a chance to explore the complexities of the tale unhampered by absolutes. Laced throughout PUDDLES is a nonchalant humor that at times causes the reader to laugh out loud (i.e. Susan splashing herself with White Shoulders perfume the night she has a romantic evening with her husband). There are also stages where this tale becomes quite dark, but the shades of humor in Lynn Barry's blue-ribbon writing help the reader through these moments without great duress, casually letting the reader in on the fact that stuff happens, and that a little bit of tolerance and understanding, coupled with faith in God, can go a long way. If you enjoy fast-paced reads that keep you up until the wee hours of the morning, you'll love a romp with Susan through a string of perhaps muddy, buy quite engaging PUDDLES. Abby M. Parks author of "The Island of Refuge"
Reviewed by Joyce Rapier	5/28/2002
Lynn, I love this review! It could be a page right out of my life story. It's ironic how similar lives can parallel each other without sitting in on conversations or being in the same household. It's surperb! Way to go, girl, you've got a winner. Joyce Rapier Windy John's me 'n tut authorsden.com/joycelrapier
Reviewed by Deborah Turner	5/24/2002
So wonderful, Lynn. I can feel the frustration of both mother and daughter. I am going to BUY this book.
Reviewed by Lori Bingley	5/16/2002
The cover not only invites you to stop and take a look - but the excerpt makes you want to run out and buy!! Great job, Lynn! You are woman - hear you roar!!! Lori
Reviewed by Larry Bohall	5/3/2002
Excellent, Lynn...I particularly like your use of dialog...very realistic, and it advances the story! Larry D. Bohall Author of Martyr's Cry
Reviewed by Elaine Bunbury	5/2/2002
"Puddles" is a compelling story about the challenges that mothers and wives cope with in our society to-day, having to deal with teenagers and their concerns; problems of abuse facing younger children as well as holding a marriage together. A good read.
Reviewed by Annette DeLore	4/22/2002
Way to go Lynn! This is a must read book, for everyone out there thats been a parent or soon to be a parent. Why don't our children come with manuels when they are born. :) I have to go now to PA and order this book, I need to see the rest of the story. Good Luck and I'd like to see Puddles become a movie. Annette DeLore
Reviewed by Jim Garrison	12/15/2001
I'm sorry I haven't stopped by here sooner. As I was reading this excert I felt as if I was watching a movie on the Lifetime. It is very well and vividly written. I can instantly see the characters and feel the emotions that I know are much deeper than reveiled in this short excert. I will put Puddles on my list to buy.
Reviewed by Paul Morin	12/11/2001
I'm intrigued by what I've read here. Nice work Lynn and congratulations on your successes. I wish you all the best.
Reviewed by Thadine Quick	12/4/2001
Okay, first let me just say that fifteen-year-old Natalie is a trip!!!! I think we all can relate to either have a mother too overbearing as she innocently try’s to build a good relationship with her daughter, or having a child that’s so innocently independent, that ultimately the two worlds collides... And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. See, to me, this story unfolds into a million PUDDLES of lessons learned, at certain times a fury of hate, and without a doubt, a double scoop of love… I enjoyed trying to guess what was going to happen next, and smiled at the realization that I couldn't have been so wrong. Although at times it reads as a soap opera, it's totally unpredictable. I can't wait to see this hit the big screen... An ABSOLUTE must read!
Reviewed by	12/4/2001
Very nice Lynn! This book looks wonderful. I wish you success with it. Erika Michelle, author Heaven's Fury On Hell's Cafe
Reviewed by Miranda Prather	11/29/2001
Excellent use of dark humour to keep the reader engaged and interested, and at the same time to challenge the reader's own pre-conceived notions of life. Worth the $!
Reviewed by mike	11/24/2001
Every once and awhile I happen upon a book by just browsing this site. I have really been caught by this first chapter and I'm about to purchase so that I can read on. The characters are already developed in a very unique way.
Reviewed by christy	11/20/2001
just reading the first chapter makes me wanna go out and buy it. it sounds like a really good book. i cant wait to read it.
Reviewed by Evelyn Horan	11/16/2001
Gripping! I was immediately drawn into the confusion and frustration! "A slice of life" for many families today. I want to know what happens next. Best wishes and much success! Evelyn Horan
Reviewed by Evelyn Horan	11/16/2001
Reviewed by Valerie F. de Daulles	11/8/2001
Hey, don't stop there! Looks like an interesting story. Best of luck with it. Valerie F. de Daulles, author of Velkro
Reviewed by Bogdan Tiganov	11/2/2001
Compelling, decent reading with a point
Reviewed by Victoria Murray	10/28/2001
Ahhhhh.... At long last! ... The book I have been dying to get my hands on! And, it is about bloody time! (smile)... I'm on my way to PA to order it now! Way to go Lynn!... Victoria Taylor Murray Thief Of Hearts' 'Forbidden'
Reviewed by Santiago Stella	10/28/2001
Dear Lynn, What a story! I am really intrigued. It seems to have everything. I have no doubt it will be a major success. Great cover also. It leads you into the mood of the story. Congratulations. Santiago V. Stella Author of A WARRIOR ON HIS PATH