1) Wow. Ms. Hatler wastes NO time setting up the conceit of her novel. This kind of exposition dump is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the author establishes the story with extreme quickness. We know this novel will be buffeted by the structure provided by Grandma’s conditions. On the other hand, we’re getting an awful lot of plot in the very beginning of the novel at the cost of characterization and setting. Every choice we make is a trade-off.
2) Not that we don’t get some description of the setting. I love that Ms. Hatler is very clear that this book is set in some of the most beautiful parts of California. I’m certainly not well-off enough to inhabit that world, but I do enjoy visiting the area vicariously.
3) I love the little hint about Wendy’s past. This technique invites the reader to ask compelling questions. Why did she leave Blue Moon Bay? Who is responsible for that trauma? Wendy doesn’t want to think about it…but we know she’s going to at some point.
Bonus:
The conceit of EVERY LITTLE KISS reminded me in some ways of the central conceit of the Richard Pryor classic BREWSTER’S MILLIONS. Pryor’s character learns that he is the sole heir of a crazy rich man who will bequeath $300 million to him…if he can spend $30 million in thirty days.
