Reality with Humor and Love
597450
This is one of the best books I have read all year, and I am a voracious reader.  The character development and dialogue are spot on.  This is billed as a book for teenagers, who I think will love it, so here is my suggestion for parents everywhere:  buy the book for your children, then read it before you give it to them, because you need to get the message, too.  I have one other piece of advice, though.  (I'm 80, so I'm entitled.). Please don't tell your kids they have to read the book, and for heaven's sake, keep your thoughts to yourself until after they've done so.  When they have, you might be blessed with the greatest discussion you've ever had with them.  Then send a huge thank you to Rebekah Crane.
195418
SOMETHING REAL is one of those books that (much like reality TV) seems lighthearted on the surface. Then you start reading, and you realize just how messed up these characters' lives are.

Bonnie and her brother Benny are the only two kids in their family of thirteen who aren't happy that their family's reality show is going back on the air. With one last year of high school to get through, Bonnie in particular was hoping for a fresh start and an opportunity to leave the cameras and her dubious fame behind. She's also struggling with a pretty serious anxiety disorder, which was an unexpected gut punch for me in a story that's full of them. Because even though Bonnie's anxiety is handled in a heartbreakingly honest way on the page, it's also a burden that she's more or less left to shoulder on her own. I wanted to reach into the story and smack one or both of her parents at least two dozen times while I was reading, because they were both so much more concerned with fame and with themselves than they were with the children they were raising.

On the other hand, I LOVED Bonnie's friends and her obvious friendship with her brother. It's so nice to see a male-female sibling pair who get along and enjoy each other's company, and hang out with each other's significant others without being overly protective. Especially since Benny's relationship with Matt and his friendship with Bonnie's boyfriend, Patrick, was one of my favorite things in the story.

It didn't hurt that I fell in love with Patrick either. He was so sweet and so genuine, not one of those dramatic mopey bad boyfriend types who gets on their girlfriend's case the instant she makes one misstep. Their relationship starts pretty close to the start of the story, which could've been risky in the hands of another author, since we don't really know him when he and Bonnie get together. But Heather Demetrios more than pulls it off, and she does it in a way that makes Bonnie and Patrick's relationship feel almost inevitable, which takes serious skill. Plus, Patrick's treatment of and reactions to Bonnie's anxiety was exactly the kind of thing I would've needed to see in high school.

Although I would've loved to see an epiphany moment from Bonnie's parents, I can't help but think that a family reconciliation would've been too simple. There's a lot of baggage that gets unpacked over the course of the book--between Bonnie and her family, the family and the company that films and produces the show, and also between Bonnie and the world. Fame doesn't have an expiration date the way most things do, and though SOMETHING REAL has a solid, self-contained ending, it's clear that most of the conflicts propelling the story aren't yet resolved. And I loved that, too.

Reality TV may not be "real" but this book one hundred percent is, and if you haven't read it yet, you need to.
2672551
Tom Bontly was a realist, in life as well as in fiction.  His four novels and his many short stories and critical writings, as well as his brilliant teaching, were never fully enough appreciated (though his first novel won the Maxwell Perkins Award), but there are still opportunities to read this loving, funny, realistic, down-to-earth writer who understood and treasured people and always saw both their worth and their funny sides.  This book is particularly likable for its portrayal of the early adolescence of a group of Wisconsin boys.  The humor is very powerful and enjoyable
1600646
Much laughter can be found in the second book of The Wedding Belles series. Humorous comments and comical situations caused lots of loud chuckles, and some of the more inventive phrases certainly made the incidents even more amusing to me. Yet scattered amongst all the good times is an underlying reminder of what can happen in real life, and how one event can greatly affect a person from that day onward. Lauren Layne tackles an emotional issue, and the resulting love story is truly rewarding. FOR BETTER OR WORSE entertains with particularly appealing characters plus an enchanting premise.

Although Heather Fowler grew up in Michigan, she had a huge desire to one day live in New York City. It has not always been the easiest of journeys, but all her hard work appears it might be about to pay off. Hopefully, she will be the newest wedding planner at Wedding Belles, where arranging details for this special occasion is renowned. When Heather gets the opportunity to prove she is actually worthy of receiving the position, she will let nothing stop her from being an outstanding planner. But doing her best is not always without challenges, especially when the man in a nearby apartment likes practicing with his band at night, thus keeping her from getting much needed rest after running about Manhattan carrying out the wishes of a demanding bride.

A life-altering illness caused Josh Tanner to become a much different person. Gone are the days of working in the financial district, as his time is now devoted to his band and just enjoying an active social life. When he first meets the woman who moved in next door, Heather comes across as snappy and lacks a sense of humor. Since Josh is feeling kind of restless at the moment, her quick-witted banter brings some joy into his life. Though he is insistent about not ever settling down with one woman, Heather starts wondering if there is any way to change his firm conviction.

By the time FOR BETTER OR WORSE was completed, I felt as though I had been subjected to a multitude of emotions. From all the laughing I did, Lauren Layne definitely wrote plenty of hilarious episodes for her characters to experience. While Heather had her own sharp mind and could reply with some original retorts, it is several of the very unique quips made by Josh that I will long remember. He could make up such clever remarks in an instant, and each one was perfect for that moment. But there is also much heartbreak in his past, and how he lets it influence his current reactions is very realistic. Anyone ever touched in some way by cancer knows what an impact it can have on so many lives, and the author excellently handles all aspects dealing with this illness.

Since Heather had been met in the previous books of the series, I already knew what a delightful person she was at all times. In FOR BETTER OR WORSE, I really got some insight into her winning personality. She tries to make the best of any situation that comes along, and I liked her positive attitude. As for Josh, he seems to be a care-free individual, yet hides his worrisome side from everyone. These two make a fabulous couple, and their passionate natures lead to steamy and very enthusiastic sex. Many secondary characters are once again likable from beginning to end. FOR BETTER OR WORSE causes an abundance of grins along with some heartfelt compassion, and possibly a few tears.

Copy received from publisher for Always Reviewing blog - 4.5 Stars
4010801
"Love or something like it" is sometimes funny, sometimes sad -- and usually has a tone where it is both sad and funny at the same time.

Narrator Lacey Brennan moves to L.A. with her fianc Toby, a comedy writer. Lacey and Toby share a sense of humor and the same sensibility about many things. They go to Hollywood parties where they meet wanna-be's and has-beens. They find their niche when they meet Merv Griffin and are befriended by a rock star couple.

Lacey has the kind of reactions I imagine I would have in meeting these people. The people in "Love or something like it" form an interesting mix, but they are never caricatures. Shaw's description of interactions rings true.

I believe a book is good when the writing feels real and I find myself gobbling the story until the book is finished. This book had great momentum. There is a love story that becomes a story about things going awry. Even when Lacey's life is at a low-point, she finds a wry way to go on. For romance readers who like reality in their love stories. This book ends in a much more uplifting way than most fantasies. It feels believable and promising.
4058744
I loved this book.  It made me laugh at times and cry at times.  A love story with a reality twist.  Not all love stories end happily ever after in the real world.  Wonderful writing with such a flow.  Cant say enough great things about the book.  I am purchasing Chaos of the senses tonight so that I can keep the journey going.
3118140
Sex, Lies and Stereotypes was as moving as it was humorous! I found the realness and openness to all avenues of Ficera's life to be refreshing.  She is even willing to show her readers what it's like to fall in love.  The fact that I was willing to laugh and cry, along with her, was a treat.  I definitely recommend this read!
2828017
EXTRAORDINARY captured me with its vivid descriptions of real people living the humorous and heartbreaking moments of life, soaked in abiding love.  I laughed out loud and cried, even aloud; yet, always grateful.  The details can even provide practical ideas of caring for an elderly, ill person; of the moving to a nursing facility; of embracing caring staff; of dealing with your own grief while caring for someone; and of a young volunteer who adds to the mutuality that gives two people purpose and life, without end in wisdom and connection.  The story is for anyone interested in the lives of people; how love transends all ages; for staff who work in any healthcare situation; for any youth and beyond in age who wonder if their life can make a differenc.
I also liked the readable sized print.
2638474
Helen Simonsons first novel came to me by way of Amazon recommendations, and maybe its time for me to at least think about revising my innate skepticism of its recommendation process. Major Pettigrews Last Stand is an improbable love story peppered with quirky but wholly believable characters who charm the pants off you, as well as an all too familiar reminder of how small town life can be, and a timely theme of cultural diversity and tolerance delivered with heavy doses of humor and sensitivity.

Having grown up in a small town where everyone knew one anothers business, I was transported back to both the comforts and confines of small town life. Until the day Major Pettigrew receives very sad news and Mrs. Ali happens to be on his doorstep just in time to offer him tea and sympathy, the very proper British widower and the pretty Pakistani widow live in the same small town, but inhabit very different worlds. This personal encounter leaves them viewing each other in a new light, but societal pressures don't  loosen their hold even on the independent and middle-aged.  Almost before Major Pettigrews wife was in the ground, the town biddies had picked the new bachelors mate, and it wasn't a shopkeeper with foreign ways. Mrs. Alis world is no less opinionated, with her family pressuring her retire, turn over her business to them, and return to their repressive bosom like a good Muslim woman. The resultant tug of war is one that takes place every day of the week no matter who we are, and it resonates strongly. Between what their worlds expect, the societal strictures theyve internalized, and what they truly desire is a very relatable story told with poignancy and not a little humor.

One would think tackling the cultural and religious issues surrounding such a romance would drag the story into heaviness, but Ms. Simonsons humor keeps the story afloat and bobbing like a buoy. The issues of British colonialism, racism, religious intolerance, and terrorism are hot button topics that don't lend themselves easily to comedy. Still, Simonson has found just the right combination of razor sharp wit and respectful sensitivity to make the reader think and reflect, but all the while thoroughly enjoy the ride. Major Pettigrews waffling, sometimes cowardly ways are at once maddening and understandable. His wrestling with his own prejudices and fears, as well as the oddball townsfolks pressures, make for comical yet all too true situations.

This is a sweet read with a big message gently delivered, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
3959967
I liked the author's honest self-disclosure and her fabulous sense of humor. The writing was excellent, the story was com-
pelling, the characters well drawn, and the openness in describing her relationship with her partner was refreshing. I have
already recommended this book to several friends.
2411454
This husband and wife team deals with a lot of issues that not only reflect the married life as a couple, however they also deal with a lot of issues that are simply just effecting the entire male and female  relationship in our society.  This book is full of humor and reality.  A  very calm relax read without the arguments and uproar.
237048
Wonderfully told with humor love and observations a plus if you enjoy jewish families, radical lesbians, and life!
734847
Life can be unpredictable and heart-breaking. In the most loving and humorous way, the author delivers a message of hope. Love it!
437555
I soooooo recommend this book.  This is so realistic that it is funny. Not a lot of police action, but office environment is something everyone can identify with.

Colleen and Brad are about as opposite as two people can be. One is in touch with their feelings, while the other lives in denial. We all have doubts in our relationships, but the hardest part is vocalizing our inner thoughts FIRST!

Would their relationship be smoother if they had been honest? Probably. "Love is blind, your neighbors ain't."

The relationship between characters is rich, authentic, and border line comical. You can visualize these characters - they will remind you of people/family members in your life. Plus the best wedding vows I have ever read. LOL
2917426
Loved this book - very funny - and a reality check for all of us.  No one is perfect and our relationships aren't perfect, but we survive.  Found myself laughing out loud and identifying with many situations.  Looking forward to the next one.....
876287
Life doesn't need to be so serious! This novel is great fun. A wonderful combination of exotic characters and down to earth reflection. Enjoy!
4087724
This was a wonderful read -- funny, sharp, smart and with a message that move and inspires without hitting you over the head. Merzer has created well-drawn characters who give us an insider's view of our political system. While the idea of an honest politician may seem more appropriate for a fantasy novel, Merzer has crafted a story that feels real and keeps the reader interested and entertained throughout. This is satire with a heart and soul. I really connected with these characters and found myself thinking about them after I put the book down. If only it were a true story! Highly recommended!