Merger of Equals book cover
A Merger of Equals
Debra H. Snider

Reviewed by Carianne Carleo-Evangelist

A Merger of Equals by Debra H. Snider is a romance set against the backdrop of the competitive business world. Its setting gives it greater readability among those readers, this reviewer included, who might otherwise have shied away from a straight romance.

Merger’s main characters, Jane and Charlie, are real in a surreal world. Most people know the lack of logical progress in the business world, but Jane and Charlie seem to face that progress and meet it head on. From the moment they meet at the investment bank, the reader is curious to learn where their paths will take them. I found myself rooting for them at some steps, and at others wanting them to be a bit more challenged to see how they’d meet those challenges. I think the prime challenge facing them was that of breaking out of the mold: the mold for women and men, the mold for bank employees and the mold of corporate America.  

At the same time, Jane and Charlie are facing the personal issues of work, life and love and how to balance the three. Although I tend not to delve into the romantic side of stories, I found myself wanting them to succeed. Wanting them to make it work. I think it’s the character of Charlie who made this story real, whose determination was palpable. He wants to make a difference and wasn’t going to stop until he succeeded. At the same time, I could identify with Jane, who was determined to make this work on another level. There is no question that the corporate life will always be a challenge for women but Jane’s success makes women want to push for it.

I recommend this book to anyone who’s curious to read about the business world, or who enjoys a well-written romance. It will not disappoint and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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