Helpful Score: 10
Not a book I'd recommend...the author had a lot of cliche ideas and tried to use them all. I think if she had only picked a couple and fleshed them out, it could have been a great story. There are even a few blatant problems - like on one page it refers to her daughter being a freshman in college during the main character's divorce..but on the next page (and throughout the book) she is a college freshman now...not then. I think this writer has potential, but I probably won't pick up another of hers for a while.
Helpful Score: 5
I was interested in this book because of the topic: romantic life after 40. After getting it based on the A- rating from All About Romance, I was thoroughly disappointed in "Leaving Normal". The book needs an active editor overseeing a major rewrite. There was so much bad grammar and and so many misspelled/misused words, it was hard for me to concentrate on the story line. It didn't help that the author didn't seem 100% certain where the story was going, exactly - it seemed to jump all over the place, like reading the mind of someone with ADD. I kept thinking, "Huh?? Where are we going??"
Her metaphors were wonky and meaningless - handwriting that couldn't find its way out of a paper bag?? Huh?? There were an incredible number of cliches. There was so much unnecessary "product placement" in the text - store names, brand names, TV shows - that the story is already dated. None of it added anything to character development or plot. I just kept wondering over and over where she was going - and finished the book still wondering... Ok, I got the gist of it: heroine over 40, younger hero, happy ending - what were all the rest of those words in this book about?
The AAR review gushed about the hero being so refreshing, with his unassuming confidence and lack of ego. Now, how did we know that? Because the author kept telling us, over and over - he was unassuming, he was confident, he had no ego, he was a gorgeous hunk with women falling all over him but hey, he didn't care about them because he had no ego. The author seemed to miss that all-important plot-writing point: show don't tell, because she just kept telling us and telling us and...
I guess I've been spoiled by better romance books, and was expecting better characters, better plot, better writing from a book with an A- rating from AAR. Leaving Normal was a disappointment and a waste of time, mostly because it had the bones of a good story but wasn't ready to be published.
Her metaphors were wonky and meaningless - handwriting that couldn't find its way out of a paper bag?? Huh?? There were an incredible number of cliches. There was so much unnecessary "product placement" in the text - store names, brand names, TV shows - that the story is already dated. None of it added anything to character development or plot. I just kept wondering over and over where she was going - and finished the book still wondering... Ok, I got the gist of it: heroine over 40, younger hero, happy ending - what were all the rest of those words in this book about?
The AAR review gushed about the hero being so refreshing, with his unassuming confidence and lack of ego. Now, how did we know that? Because the author kept telling us, over and over - he was unassuming, he was confident, he had no ego, he was a gorgeous hunk with women falling all over him but hey, he didn't care about them because he had no ego. The author seemed to miss that all-important plot-writing point: show don't tell, because she just kept telling us and telling us and...
I guess I've been spoiled by better romance books, and was expecting better characters, better plot, better writing from a book with an A- rating from AAR. Leaving Normal was a disappointment and a waste of time, mostly because it had the bones of a good story but wasn't ready to be published.
Helpful Score: 4
This was a new-to-me author and I am on the hunt for more! So much deeper and realistic than the back of the book initially lead me to believe. A terrific read for someone sensitive about her age, newly single or even trying to regain touch with the stronger, self-sufficient side of herself.
Helpful Score: 2
The Firefighter Calendar's Mr. May Tony Cruz can't quite keep himself away from Natalie, the lovely divorcee, nine years his senior, who lives accross the street.
Natalie only wanted independence after 20 years of marriage and hot firefighters aren't on her to do list!
Cute fast beach read.
Natalie only wanted independence after 20 years of marriage and hot firefighters aren't on her to do list!
Cute fast beach read.
Helpful Score: 1
EXCELLENT!!! great love story!!! A must read for romantics that love to read a great love story!!
Helpful Score: 1
It's a story about starting over. Or more specifically starting over with a hot fireman!
Helpful Score: 1
Really good romance type novel. I am not a huge romance novel reader but I couldn't put this one down.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good example of 'older woman / younger man' story. Natalie, a divorced mother of a college student meets Tony, a gorgeous hunk of a firefighter. She thinks she is too old for him, but he sets out to prove her wrong.
Helpful Score: 1
I wasn't sure I would like this book when I first started it, but it was great! It is a nice story of family and how our past affects us.
great book!
Natalie is seven years older than Tony. Tony wants children and Natalie feels her time has passed. Tony is a fireman and they both fight their feelings thinking it would never work until Tony is almost killed in a raging fire and they realize how short life really is.
An enjoyable light and romantic read. I agree with some of the things the others have said, about too many cliches and the repetition of character traits, but enjoyed this book nonetheless. I don't read many romances - didn't really know this was one until I was into it by several chapters already - and this was not too over-the-top for me. A single fairly explicit love making scene, and the rest is (albeit common cliche-filled) plot. I gave it 3 1/2 stars.
Wonderful for divorcees looking for love!Plus for all others it envolves a sexy fireman!!!
With the ink dry on her divorce her life is good but life has a big surprise for Natatie, and he lives right next door
The setting for this book is Boise, ID. A newly divorced lady is about to have a Grand Opening for her new Flower Shop. Her daughter has just started college and the 'empty nest' syndrome is about to rear it's ugly head. She has a neighbor . A firefighter 9 years her junior. Their advance towards romance makes light, amusing reading. I found it easy to read and entertaining.
Whoever said life begins at forty wasn't kidding. Older women,younger man-we can dream can't we.
very good story...older woman/younger man.
Fast moving and funny. Not my normal read but excellant
Really easy read and great story!!!
It takes a young guy to make Natalie understand what love is again. she thinks she is too old for him and he is trying to make her see age is just a number.
I just finished this book and loved it! I had never read Stef Ann Holm but I am impressed and will look for other books that she has written.
Great novel about finding love after 40
This was a great older woman/younger man story. With a firefighter as the younger man, what "older" woman wouldn't like that!!
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie feelos life is running just the way she wants. Her new flower shop is set for its grand opening and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. But life has a big surprise for her and he lives across the street.
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie feels life is running just the way she wants it. Light fun read.
a very good book...hardcover in excellant condition
Natalie Goodwin is emerging from two years full of changes. She has emerged from a divorce, opened her dream shop (a floral store) and her daughter is a freshman at college in Chicago. Now is Natalie's time for herself. She's not looking for love.
Across the street is eye candy, Tony Cruz. He's married and step-father to a young girl, Parker. However, Tony's wife has found someone else and soon dumps Tony. Although Tony is 9 years younger, he soon notices his neighbor. As they get to know one another, they learn that Tony wants a child and Natalie has no interest in being a mother again.
This story is about multi-generational angst when moving out one's comfort zone and attempting to love another.
Across the street is eye candy, Tony Cruz. He's married and step-father to a young girl, Parker. However, Tony's wife has found someone else and soon dumps Tony. Although Tony is 9 years younger, he soon notices his neighbor. As they get to know one another, they learn that Tony wants a child and Natalie has no interest in being a mother again.
This story is about multi-generational angst when moving out one's comfort zone and attempting to love another.
I JUST started reading this book. I am posting it now and hoping and praying that someone will request it so that I do NOT have to finish reading this book. Please, someone, anyone. Help me.
Light, fun read.
Enjoyable book about shaking up one's life. Life DOES begin at 40!
Great Book
Complications of divorce in Boise, Idaho! That spark happens often when least expected and where
least expected.
least expected.
I really like this story
I enjoyed this book. Ms. Holm is a good read - older booka and new.
At long last Natalie Goodwin's life is running just the way she wants it. Her new florist shop is all set for a grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. He turns her well-ordered life upside down, and pretty soon things go from simmering to scalding. Just when the sparks begin to turn into a three-alarm blaze Natalie is caught unawares again -- Tony wants her and a child of his own.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. He turns her well-ordered life upside down, and pretty soon things go from simmering to scalding. Just when the sparks begin to turn into a three-alarm blaze Natalie is caught unawares again -- Tony wants her and a child of his own.
A GR8 BOOK....FIREFIGHTER IS ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS.....WHAT COULD GO WRONG WITH THIS BOOK? A GR8 READ!!!
Excellent book.
Publisher's Note
Divorced and the mother of a college-bound daughter, Natalie is enjoying dating her neighbor, but they disagree over the possibility of having more children, until Natalie's daughter comes home with a surprise addition that may change their lives forever.
Divorced and the mother of a college-bound daughter, Natalie is enjoying dating her neighbor, but they disagree over the possibility of having more children, until Natalie's daughter comes home with a surprise addition that may change their lives forever.
Shake it up a little!
At long last Natalie Goodwin's life is running just the way she wants it. Her new florist shop is all set for a grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. He turns her well-ordered life upside down, and pretty soon things go from simmering to scalding. Just when the sparks begin to turn into a three-alarm blaze Natalie is caught unawares again -- Tony wants her and a child of his own.
A baby? At forty-three? Natalie is definitely all shook up.
At long last Natalie Goodwin's life is running just the way she wants it. Her new florist shop is all set for a grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. He turns her well-ordered life upside down, and pretty soon things go from simmering to scalding. Just when the sparks begin to turn into a three-alarm blaze Natalie is caught unawares again -- Tony wants her and a child of his own.
A baby? At forty-three? Natalie is definitely all shook up.
When the ink dried on her divorce papers, Natalie Goodwin fells just the way she wants it to. Her new flower shop is set up for its grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid, and cooking dinner every night is a option. Natalie admits she is just a tiny bit loney, but recent dating experiences have left her confince that Mr. Right does not live in Boise Iaho. But life has a big suprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she had never met a man like fire fighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying but will they lite Natalie fire.... her land her new found independence in hot water?
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie Goodwin feels life is running just the way she wants it. Her new flower shop is set for its grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying, but will they light Natalie's fire...or land her newfound independence in hot water?
---------------
An enjoyable read with filled with lovable characters.
But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street! Never in her wildest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying, but will they light Natalie's fire...or land her newfound independence in hot water?
---------------
An enjoyable read with filled with lovable characters.
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie feels life is running just the way she wants it.
From the back of hte book: (I did not read this book)
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie Goodwin feels life is running just the way she wants it. Her new flower shop is set for its grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a bif surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street. Never in her wildest dreams did her think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying, but will they light Natalie's fire ... and land her newfound independence in hot water?
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie Goodwin feels life is running just the way she wants it. Her new flower shop is set for its grand opening, and her daughter is enjoying her first semester in college. The house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.
But life has a bif surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street. Never in her wildest dreams did her think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying, but will they light Natalie's fire ... and land her newfound independence in hot water?
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie Goodwin feels life is running jsut the way she wants it. her new flower shop is set for its grand opening, and her daughter in enjoying her first semester in college. THe house is clean, the bills are paid and cooking dinner every night is now an option. Natalie admits she's just a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences have left her convinced that Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho. But life has a big surprise for Natalie and he lives right across the street. Never in her wildeest dreams did she think she could fall for a man nine years her junior, but then she has never met a man like firefighter Tony Cruz. Now the sparks are flying, but will the light Natalie's fire..or land her newfound independence in hot water??
With the ink dry on her divorce papers, Natalie feels life is running just the way she wants it. Natalie feels a teeny bit lonely, but recent dating experiences has her beleiving Mr. Right does not live in Boise, Idaho.........
