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Oyuna Devam
Yeniden baslamak icin gec kaldiginizi dusunuyorsaniz yaniliyorsunuz !.. Once ask, sonra evlilik ve ardindan da sikici ve siradan bir hayat, sadakatsizlik, tatsiz surprizler ve bosanma… Hic kimse hayatin adil oldugunu soyleyemez ve tabii ki sonsuza kadar askin var oldugunu da... Bu durumda Jess Marlowe, Nell Keats, Laura Keats ve Grace Henley’in yapacagi tek bir sey Oyuna devam etmek ve oyunu yeniden kurallarina gore oynamaya calismak.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
About the author
Holly Chamberlin
37 books570 followersHolly Chamberlin is a native New Yorker, but she now lives in Portland, Maine - the aftermath of stumbling across Mr. Right at the one moment she wasn't watching the terrain. She's been writing and editing - poetry, children's fantasies, a romance novel or two, among many other genres and projects - her entire life. She has two cats, Betty and Cyrus, and when she's not writing her hobbies include reading, shopping, and cocktails at six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 10, 2008
Another find in the hotel lobby in Rome.
Deathly fluffy. No concern whatsoever for characters. Really no concern for what character happened to be narrating at the moment. Quite superficial. Whole book would have been much better if it'd focused on the one messy divorcee of the lot. Decline and fall of Laura's mental state is a good story, but gets shelved amidst the drivel of other examples of divorced women.
Deathly fluffy. No concern whatsoever for characters. Really no concern for what character happened to be narrating at the moment. Quite superficial. Whole book would have been much better if it'd focused on the one messy divorcee of the lot. Decline and fall of Laura's mental state is a good story, but gets shelved amidst the drivel of other examples of divorced women.
April 29, 2013
This is my second Holly Chamberlin book and will defiantely by my last. I didn't finish the first one and I am sorry that I finished this one. Her characters are horrible and the book is high on fluff and low on substance.
September 9, 2009
I have to admit that I skipped around in this book. The chapters weren't long enough to really "get" the characters so I ended up jumping around and reading the chapters of Jess and Laura, the only characters I found interesting. Still Jess wasn't really interesting and Laura was just crazy and her whole storyline was surreal and rushed. Overall, not something I would recommend. A pretty quick read.
February 4, 2024
This was comparable to 'The Friends We Keep". I really shouldn't read her earlier books as I feel that there is something missing in them. The chapter headings detract from the story and luckily she doesn't use them in her later books.
August 12, 2026
This was the DUMBEST book I’ve ever read. False advertising!!! I was promised a funny beach read about a group of friends going through divorces. It was dated and painful to read. I doubt the author has ever had a single conversation with a divorced person… this was almost a DNF. (Also the characters went to the beach like 2 times…)
December 20, 2011
I got this book because it looked like a fluffy treat/beach book. It certainly is that, but it takes it a little too far.
It's about four women living parallel lives and supporting each other as friends. I like books based on this structure. But that's about as far as it goes. The women are whiny and not very interesting, although they do improve some as the book goes on. The view of the world presented by this book is simplistic, and a lot of it is drawn in crayon. Tiresome. It kind of reminded me of the Babysitter's Club books.
The worst failing of this book is not the limp writing, though, it's the lack of personality and distinguishing voice between the four women. The narrative is passed around between them, and if you open the book at random, you really can't tell who's talking unless it's the dumb one. She's a completely pathetic caricature; the others are just meh. To me, the fun of stories with a cluster of main characters like this is to see how they interact with life and their different world views as they bump up against various situations. But these women really could have been just one character. Even the dumb one could be part of the same person--don't we all have a dumb part?
The only person who really came to life for me was Simon, the ex of one of the four main characters. He was a caricature, too, but so very familiar! I actually thought I had already read this book because I was sure he'd break into her apartment or some dumb thing later. I know I've seen him before. I wonder if I've read one of this chick's other books and she reused this character, or if he's lifted from something else. The user/bum artist ex who keeps coming back for sex and bailout money isn't that rare, I guess, but this particular one felt like deja vu.
Also, a lot of the jokes in the book come from the women's misadventures with dating in middle age. Dude, seriously?! I have so little patience for this. Be alone, heal, and get happy with yourselves, ladies. Nothing will work until you do that. Maybe try having friends besides the same three other whiners who are identical to yourself. Certainly don't desperately throw yourselves into the fray because you think you're useless without a guy. Ugh.
If popular culture is any indication, dating is the stupidest way to find someone ever invented.
...
Almost forgot this quote:
"'Just remember: Forever is relative. What one person sees as three years can feel like a lifetime to another.'
--Did I Say Forever? Reinterpreting the Marriage Vows"
lol! I guess it's not just me then!
It's about four women living parallel lives and supporting each other as friends. I like books based on this structure. But that's about as far as it goes. The women are whiny and not very interesting, although they do improve some as the book goes on. The view of the world presented by this book is simplistic, and a lot of it is drawn in crayon. Tiresome. It kind of reminded me of the Babysitter's Club books.
The worst failing of this book is not the limp writing, though, it's the lack of personality and distinguishing voice between the four women. The narrative is passed around between them, and if you open the book at random, you really can't tell who's talking unless it's the dumb one. She's a completely pathetic caricature; the others are just meh. To me, the fun of stories with a cluster of main characters like this is to see how they interact with life and their different world views as they bump up against various situations. But these women really could have been just one character. Even the dumb one could be part of the same person--don't we all have a dumb part?
The only person who really came to life for me was Simon, the ex of one of the four main characters. He was a caricature, too, but so very familiar! I actually thought I had already read this book because I was sure he'd break into her apartment or some dumb thing later. I know I've seen him before. I wonder if I've read one of this chick's other books and she reused this character, or if he's lifted from something else. The user/bum artist ex who keeps coming back for sex and bailout money isn't that rare, I guess, but this particular one felt like deja vu.
Also, a lot of the jokes in the book come from the women's misadventures with dating in middle age. Dude, seriously?! I have so little patience for this. Be alone, heal, and get happy with yourselves, ladies. Nothing will work until you do that. Maybe try having friends besides the same three other whiners who are identical to yourself. Certainly don't desperately throw yourselves into the fray because you think you're useless without a guy. Ugh.
If popular culture is any indication, dating is the stupidest way to find someone ever invented.
...
Almost forgot this quote:
"'Just remember: Forever is relative. What one person sees as three years can feel like a lifetime to another.'
--Did I Say Forever? Reinterpreting the Marriage Vows"
lol! I guess it's not just me then!
January 26, 2011
I like to read chick lit from time to time especially to help jumpstart a reading kick if I'm in a lull. But this book to me was no light, enjoyable or a fast read. I have no idea why the author included the character of Laura who everyone seemed to dislike. In what world would someone you dislike continue to be invited to dinner with a close group of friends when she had nothing to offer the group? It seemed like an unnecessary character addition and frankly makes me wonder if the author was trying to model this group around the Sex and the City group of four friends. Skip this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2007
I was in need of something to read on the bus ride back to Fukui from Tokyo. This book caught my eye in Kinokuniya. I got really involved in each of the character's lives but in the end I felt like there was nothing really there. Four characters just talking about their life and their friends' lives.
The whole book is about getting back into the dating scene after a divorce.
I'm not married, never been married...this book made me seriously dislike the whole idea of marriage. ;p
The whole book is about getting back into the dating scene after a divorce.
I'm not married, never been married...this book made me seriously dislike the whole idea of marriage. ;p
July 3, 2013
Chamberlin's characters won me over. I was apprehensive when I picked up this title, worried that a plot featuring four friends going through divorces would be too maudlin to enjoy. Like each relationship is unique, so too is each of the divorces. Chamberlin has crafted a story in which the divorcees do not become stereotypes, but instead allows us to sit front row watching their circumspection and evolution. Chamberlin is definitely growing as a writer.
September 15, 2020
I very rarely give up on a book before reading it completely, but 300 pages in I decided to no longer waste my time on this one. Vapid, unlikable, boring, self-centered characters are bad enough, but there was virtually no plot and nothing interesting about it at all.
February 24, 2018
I read this right after reading "The Beach Quilt" (which I loved) and I was really disappointed in this book!
It's about 4 women all going through divorce. Let's pause there. A group of 4 friends who all happen to be going through divorces at the exact same time? Seems unbelievable. Maybe if she would've had them meet because of the divorces or something, but 2 are sisters and the 4some was friends before.
Nell's husband, Richard, comes out that he's gay. Nell's little sister, Laura, left her husband because he never wanted kids. Grace's artist husband, Simon, was a user and a mooch. And finally, Jess cheated on her husband Matt.
Like Chamberlin's other books, this one is short chapters and multiple perspectives which I love. At the beginning of every "chapter" there is a quote from a book on divorce. I thought the quotes were stupid and made divorce into a joke. And then at the end she threw in scripture. What!? There's no mention of these people being religious, in fact it's superficiality and manipulation that is in the rest of the chapter beginnings.
The women's stories just go on as they go through their divorce and move on. Nell ends up finding a new man and going to Richard's wedding to his boyfriend. Laura ends up marrying Jess' ex-husband (really-- out of everyone in the world. And Jess was fine with it!) and they have twins, but one dies and their life is just hell. They married to give each other kids, not because they loved each other, and it backfired. Grace marries a studio owner and finally breaks ties with her moochy ex. Jess stays single and is happy.
This book was entertaining and I love women's fiction, but I don't think I'd necessarily recommend this book. I didn't identify with any of the characters, I thought the plot was unrealistic, and I thought divorce was somewhat trivialized.
It's about 4 women all going through divorce. Let's pause there. A group of 4 friends who all happen to be going through divorces at the exact same time? Seems unbelievable. Maybe if she would've had them meet because of the divorces or something, but 2 are sisters and the 4some was friends before.
Nell's husband, Richard, comes out that he's gay. Nell's little sister, Laura, left her husband because he never wanted kids. Grace's artist husband, Simon, was a user and a mooch. And finally, Jess cheated on her husband Matt.
Like Chamberlin's other books, this one is short chapters and multiple perspectives which I love. At the beginning of every "chapter" there is a quote from a book on divorce. I thought the quotes were stupid and made divorce into a joke. And then at the end she threw in scripture. What!? There's no mention of these people being religious, in fact it's superficiality and manipulation that is in the rest of the chapter beginnings.
The women's stories just go on as they go through their divorce and move on. Nell ends up finding a new man and going to Richard's wedding to his boyfriend. Laura ends up marrying Jess' ex-husband (really-- out of everyone in the world. And Jess was fine with it!) and they have twins, but one dies and their life is just hell. They married to give each other kids, not because they loved each other, and it backfired. Grace marries a studio owner and finally breaks ties with her moochy ex. Jess stays single and is happy.
This book was entertaining and I love women's fiction, but I don't think I'd necessarily recommend this book. I didn't identify with any of the characters, I thought the plot was unrealistic, and I thought divorce was somewhat trivialized.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2026
I really liked how short the chapters were and how easy it was to get to know each character and their individual stories without ever feeling lost about who was who. The author definitely has talent when it comes to writing and creating an easy, engaging read.
However, the content was not for me. I felt that the book lacked meaningful values and often presented things that are wrong as normal or even justified. The characters repeatedly gave each other and the reader advice that was horrible (don’t feel guilty about cheating, it’s not that big of a deal to Jess). Guilt is great to have after cheating and it is a big deal. One-night stands, large age gaps, using people, and an excessive focus on sex and pleasure are normalized. I was also uncomfortable with the way Christianity was portrayed, especially because I believe Christianity is the source of truth, hope, and light in our dark world.
At times, it felt less like a story about finding genuine meaning after divorce and more like a superficial celebration of sex, pleasure, and doing whatever makes you feel happy. The writing itself is enjoyable, but the message and values of the book are simply not for me
However, the content was not for me. I felt that the book lacked meaningful values and often presented things that are wrong as normal or even justified. The characters repeatedly gave each other and the reader advice that was horrible (don’t feel guilty about cheating, it’s not that big of a deal to Jess). Guilt is great to have after cheating and it is a big deal. One-night stands, large age gaps, using people, and an excessive focus on sex and pleasure are normalized. I was also uncomfortable with the way Christianity was portrayed, especially because I believe Christianity is the source of truth, hope, and light in our dark world.
At times, it felt less like a story about finding genuine meaning after divorce and more like a superficial celebration of sex, pleasure, and doing whatever makes you feel happy. The writing itself is enjoyable, but the message and values of the book are simply not for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
This book is about women who go through divorces for different reasons. They meet and talk about what is going on in their life. They are indeed embracing that they are "back in the game." So will they ever get a real chance at a second love? I tend to jump around in this book. When I wanted to know what was happening next with one character, I would find that chapter instead of going on with the next character. I had mixed emotions with it as well. For example, when I was reading about Laura I would get irritated because she took everything for granted. Whereas, when reading about Nell, I would feel sorry for her and wish that no one had to go through that alone. Overall, I had a hard time relating to this because mainly because I am only sixteen so I have no personal experience with what the characters are going through. However, this was a good book, it was entertaining, and kept me interested.
January 20, 2017
A story about four women, who are friends, and their experiences with divorce in their 40s. I liked the storylines that progressed, but one of the stories that did not stand out much was that of Nell and Richard. I found it repetitive and insipid. I would skim over the chapters where the author droned on and on about Richard being gay and the feelings that were stirred up in Nell. Let's move on from that. I get it. Her feelings were hurt and how could she be so stupid? Laura's story was a bit sad in the end, but at least everyone else got a happy ending.
August 20, 2025
So this book is about four women who are all going through divorces for one reason or another. There is some funny banter throughout but I feel like it didn’t need to be as long as it was. I also really found Laura annoying after the first half of the book as she was making terrible decisions that just didn’t make any sense. The book flips through each of the main characters which I did like. Overall it’s an ok book.
October 14, 2021
It’s not in my nature, but i wanted to walk away from this book nearly from the beginning. I have read and loved other books by the author, so hung in there till the end. It never got any better. The book centers around 4 women going through life after divorce. She hit all the cliches, but I never cared about any of the characters.
January 27, 2022
Ugh. I had to make a cheat sheet with the names of the ladies and their predicaments, the way the chapters are arranged. It started off kinda interesting, but deteriorated by the middle of the book. So much so, that I had to abandon it. The plots of each woman got boring, repetitive and almost predictable.
August 3, 2017
I finished reading it but could have stopped at any time. Just not enough storyline to sink my teeth into.
July 31, 2019
3.75/5
August 11, 2019
Wanted a quick summer read and it was quick since I skipped a few pages towards the end.
September 12, 2019
I was not a fan of the Laura character. And her story didn’t really end...just kind of let you down. Which is kind of how I felt about the character.
March 6, 2020
Easy reading for the beach!
March 14, 2020
A reread but loved it and couldn't stop reading. Quotes were too long though and the end could have been wrapped better, at least in the eyes of this reader.
Read
June 1, 2020Sad and not very deep. Now it's off my shelf.
June 18, 2020
2.5 stars. 4 friends all divorcing for various reasons support each other through the divorce and future dating. Some of the characters I did not like or respect. It was an easy read.
February 19, 2021
Couldn't get into it. Didn't connect with the characters
November 19, 2024
Painful. Just a painful story to plough through about unlikeable stupid people!
March 24, 2025
July 2013
October 21, 2025
Simple, light hearted read. Very pleasant and apropos for my current life events!
March 8, 2026
Couldn't bring myself to finish it, kept waiting for it to get better. She bounces all over the places with the characters and gets no where.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews