Broadening My Reading and Writing Horizons

I've trying to read outside my comfort zone.  As my profile will tell you, I am a fan of romance and women's fiction with a happy ending.  I like spicy but not over the top.  Because I use reading as an escape, I often pick the authors I know I'll like.  My time is limited and I want to make the most of it.

Every time I read an agent or editor interview, the advice often is to read more to become a better writer.  So, this summer, I decided to set a goal to read outside my comfort zone.  The first attempt was really good.  I enjoyed the author very well.  With the second, I'm really struggling.  Here's why.  I dare to say sometimes I think there can be too much show in your showing versus telling.  I'm a fan of good word usage as much as the next person, but I'm struggling with the whole idea of when is it merely showing and when is it purple prose.  Wikipedia gives the definition of purple prose as the following:

"Purple prose is written prose that is so extravagant, ornate, or flowery as to break the flow and draw excessive attention to itself. Purple prose is sensually evocative beyond the requirements of its context. It may also employ certain rhetorical effects such as exaggerated sentiment or pathos in an attempt to manipulate a reader's response."

I recently started a book I'd seen recommended by various publications.  While I think the idea and story could be good, I can't get past the prose.  I find myself focused more on figuring out what the words mean versus getting lost in the story.  I pride myself on having a decent vocabulary and I'm fairly intelligent (I know, but you'll just have to take my word for it;-)).  Still, this writing is a bit over my head and I can't enjoy it.  

Not only can I not enjoy it, it makes me feel defeated.  This is a well regarded book.  It brings out my self-critical side.  I'll never write like that.  Is there still a place for me out there in the fiction world?  Only time will tell.  In the meantime, I'll keep writing.

BTW, I think I'm getting close to submission time.  I'll keep you posted.  Probably another reason why I feel the self doubt monster creeping back in.  Go away, I say! :-)