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Two of a Kind
Ten years after losing her husband, Christina Connelly has worked through the pain, focusing on raising her teenage daughter and managing her small decorating business. But her romantic life has never recovered. Still, it’s irksome to be set up with arrogant, if handsome, doctor Andy Stern at her friend’s wedding. If he wasn’t also a potential client, needing his Upper East Side apartment redesigned, she would write him off.
This is never going to work, Andy thinks. Still grieving his wife and struggling with a troubled son, he’s not looking for a woman, and certainly not someone as frosty and reserved as Christina. Their relationship will be strictly business. Yet to everyone’s surprise—including their own—these two find themselves falling in love.
But if reconciling with their pasts is difficult, blending their lives and children to create a new family is nearly impossible. They’ve been given a second chance …but can they overcome all the obstacles in the way of happily ever after?
This is never going to work, Andy thinks. Still grieving his wife and struggling with a troubled son, he’s not looking for a woman, and certainly not someone as frosty and reserved as Christina. Their relationship will be strictly business. Yet to everyone’s surprise—including their own—these two find themselves falling in love.
But if reconciling with their pasts is difficult, blending their lives and children to create a new family is nearly impossible. They’ve been given a second chance …but can they overcome all the obstacles in the way of happily ever after?
448 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2013
7 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Yona Zeldis McDonough
53 books234 followersI live in Park Slope, Brooklyn and many of my novels take place here. But my new novel takes place in New Hampshire, and I have woven into it a historical component: the tragic story of Ruth Blay, who in 1768 was the last woman hanged in the state. When I read about Ruth, I was fascinated and horrified in equal measure, and I knew I had to write about her.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.
I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 25, 2013
When I was offered the chance to host Yona Zeldis McDonough as part of her blog tour, I wasn’t 100% sure, but I said yes because I always love interviewing authors, and reading new books and Yona is an author I’ve never tried before. I really liked the sound of Two of a Kind, so as soon as it had downloaded to my Kindle, I decided to give it a read and I am SO glad I did, because it was such an enjoyable book.
Two of a Kind focuses on two single parents, Christina and Andy, who meet at a wedding. Christina is a interior designer, and Andy is an OBGYN, and they both have kids of a similar age; Jordan is a ballet dancer, and Oliver is a high-school drop-out, caught one too many times with pot, for his father’s liking. At first glance, neither Christina nor Andy like each other, but the more they get to know each other, and the less snappy and obnoxious Andy is, the more they realise they have in common and they soon find themselves falling in love, but with Andy’s hectic schedule and temperamental moods, Christina’s not 100% sure this is the relationship for her, but will they get their happy ever after?
I must admit, when we were first introduced to Andy I didn’t warm to him at all. Much like Christina, I found him rude, obnoxious, judgemental and holier-than-thou. Nothing seemed to ever be good enough for him, but as the book wore on, he seemed to relax a little. Yes, he still had his mood swings and a quick temper, but I warmed to him so much more. I loved Christina from the off. I loved how she’d pulled herself together after her husband died, I loved hearing about her decorating business and I was SO angry at how some of her customers treated her, particularly the loathesome Haversticks. Christina really made this book for me, she was just such a wonderful character. The character who surprised me most was Oliver. I thought he was just going to be a pot-head for the entire novel, but after he’s expelled from school, he blooms into his own, and I really liked how he pulled himself together and got himself sorted. I’d've rather he didn’t say ‘like’ all the time, because teenagers do not do that and if they do, they should be shot, but apart from that, I loved him so much.
I really, really enjoyed Two of a Kind, I can’t believe how much and I am so glad I decided to give it a read, because otherwise I’d have missed out on such a brilliant, well-written novel, with some really complex, but really warm characters. I loved how Yona Zeldis McDonough presented blending two families together. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop, because I just found it so easy to get lost in the lives of Andy, Christina, Oliver and Jordan, along with all of their friends and all of their troubles and dilemmas. I would definitely recommend this book, because it will surprise you. It’s thoughtful, warm, at times witty, and I look forward to delving into Yona Zeldis McDonough’s back catalogue because if it’s anything like Two of a Kind, it will be an amazing experience.
Two of a Kind focuses on two single parents, Christina and Andy, who meet at a wedding. Christina is a interior designer, and Andy is an OBGYN, and they both have kids of a similar age; Jordan is a ballet dancer, and Oliver is a high-school drop-out, caught one too many times with pot, for his father’s liking. At first glance, neither Christina nor Andy like each other, but the more they get to know each other, and the less snappy and obnoxious Andy is, the more they realise they have in common and they soon find themselves falling in love, but with Andy’s hectic schedule and temperamental moods, Christina’s not 100% sure this is the relationship for her, but will they get their happy ever after?
I must admit, when we were first introduced to Andy I didn’t warm to him at all. Much like Christina, I found him rude, obnoxious, judgemental and holier-than-thou. Nothing seemed to ever be good enough for him, but as the book wore on, he seemed to relax a little. Yes, he still had his mood swings and a quick temper, but I warmed to him so much more. I loved Christina from the off. I loved how she’d pulled herself together after her husband died, I loved hearing about her decorating business and I was SO angry at how some of her customers treated her, particularly the loathesome Haversticks. Christina really made this book for me, she was just such a wonderful character. The character who surprised me most was Oliver. I thought he was just going to be a pot-head for the entire novel, but after he’s expelled from school, he blooms into his own, and I really liked how he pulled himself together and got himself sorted. I’d've rather he didn’t say ‘like’ all the time, because teenagers do not do that and if they do, they should be shot, but apart from that, I loved him so much.
I really, really enjoyed Two of a Kind, I can’t believe how much and I am so glad I decided to give it a read, because otherwise I’d have missed out on such a brilliant, well-written novel, with some really complex, but really warm characters. I loved how Yona Zeldis McDonough presented blending two families together. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop, because I just found it so easy to get lost in the lives of Andy, Christina, Oliver and Jordan, along with all of their friends and all of their troubles and dilemmas. I would definitely recommend this book, because it will surprise you. It’s thoughtful, warm, at times witty, and I look forward to delving into Yona Zeldis McDonough’s back catalogue because if it’s anything like Two of a Kind, it will be an amazing experience.
August 18, 2013
Yona Zeldis McDonough writes beautifully!
"Two of a Kind" is the story of two people who have two very different lifestyles that have the opportunity to bring their families together in hopes of finding love again.
Christina Connelly is a dedicated mother, decorator and business owner. She lives to support her daughter's dreams of becoming a successful ballerina in New York. She runs her own decorating business from her home, but as her clients become less frequent, Christina worries that she will have to make changes in order to support her family. She has grieved the loss of her husband, but has not had any luck in finding a male companion, except for the friends who are her neighbors. But that's ok with her - she just wants to enjoy life and be the best mother she can be.
Jordan, Christina's teenage daughter, lives & loves to dance. She is focused on maintaining her tiny frame and improve her dance skills. After the death of her heroic father ten years earlier, Jordan is determined to do whatever it takes to make him proud of her.
Dr. Andy Stern is a successful OB/GYN who caters to New York's most elite women. He is a doctor to the stars and is in high demand. His business is booming and he's quite handsome, too. Andy is so focused on his career & grieving his wife's death from a few years ago that he doesn't seem to notice that his teenage son is becoming more and more distant. Arrogant and selfish, Andy could have any woman he wanted, but with his busy career, he has no time.
Oliver is still angry over his mother's death. With very few friends, he finds other avenues to cope with his loneliness. All he really wants is some attention from his "famous" father, Dr. Stern. After getting in some trouble, he is expelled from school and unbeknownst to his father, goes to his grandmother for advice.
After being introduced at a mutual friend's wedding, Andy asks Christina to help decorate his apartment. Being such different personalities, they vow to keep their relationship strictly professional. Although they are very different, they realize they have very similar needs. Both are lonely and very attracted to each other. Both have teenagers that do not want them to be together, and if that isn't enough - Andy's mother is determined to keep him from falling in love with Christina.
Can their need for each other overcome the obstacles that pull them apart? Can love really happen twice in a lifetime for both Andy and Christina? And what about their individual families - will they ever be able to blend and bring them all together? Coming together isn't quite as easy as it seems for these two, and with all of the bumps in the road, do they even feel it's worth the trouble?
"Two of a Kind" is a beautiful story of hope, love, forgiveness and healing. Yona Zeldis McDonough's writing flows smoothly and effortlessly. She gives each character personality and writes so cleverly that each one comes to life. I enjoyed this book very much, and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had a second chance at love.
"Two of a Kind" is the story of two people who have two very different lifestyles that have the opportunity to bring their families together in hopes of finding love again.
Christina Connelly is a dedicated mother, decorator and business owner. She lives to support her daughter's dreams of becoming a successful ballerina in New York. She runs her own decorating business from her home, but as her clients become less frequent, Christina worries that she will have to make changes in order to support her family. She has grieved the loss of her husband, but has not had any luck in finding a male companion, except for the friends who are her neighbors. But that's ok with her - she just wants to enjoy life and be the best mother she can be.
Jordan, Christina's teenage daughter, lives & loves to dance. She is focused on maintaining her tiny frame and improve her dance skills. After the death of her heroic father ten years earlier, Jordan is determined to do whatever it takes to make him proud of her.
Dr. Andy Stern is a successful OB/GYN who caters to New York's most elite women. He is a doctor to the stars and is in high demand. His business is booming and he's quite handsome, too. Andy is so focused on his career & grieving his wife's death from a few years ago that he doesn't seem to notice that his teenage son is becoming more and more distant. Arrogant and selfish, Andy could have any woman he wanted, but with his busy career, he has no time.
Oliver is still angry over his mother's death. With very few friends, he finds other avenues to cope with his loneliness. All he really wants is some attention from his "famous" father, Dr. Stern. After getting in some trouble, he is expelled from school and unbeknownst to his father, goes to his grandmother for advice.
After being introduced at a mutual friend's wedding, Andy asks Christina to help decorate his apartment. Being such different personalities, they vow to keep their relationship strictly professional. Although they are very different, they realize they have very similar needs. Both are lonely and very attracted to each other. Both have teenagers that do not want them to be together, and if that isn't enough - Andy's mother is determined to keep him from falling in love with Christina.
Can their need for each other overcome the obstacles that pull them apart? Can love really happen twice in a lifetime for both Andy and Christina? And what about their individual families - will they ever be able to blend and bring them all together? Coming together isn't quite as easy as it seems for these two, and with all of the bumps in the road, do they even feel it's worth the trouble?
"Two of a Kind" is a beautiful story of hope, love, forgiveness and healing. Yona Zeldis McDonough's writing flows smoothly and effortlessly. She gives each character personality and writes so cleverly that each one comes to life. I enjoyed this book very much, and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had a second chance at love.
September 13, 2013
I enjoined Two of a Kind. I would recommend that mature audiences read the book for the descriptions of more then one intimate scene. It was overall a nice and enjoyable book to read and I would reconmend it to friends and family.
Two of a kind is about a Christina Connelly, an interior designer and Dr. Andy Stern, an ob/gyn. Both lost their spouses at least two years ago. They meet at a wedding and eventually start to enjoy the other's company in the following weeks. Christina's 13 year old daughter Jordan is an extremely dedicated ballet dancer and Andy's 16 year old son Oliver is getting into weed, beer, and school expulsion. over the course of a year Christina helps Oliver turn his life around and Jordan keeps finding reasons to dislike Andy. Christina and Andy get closer to each other as Christina helps redecorate his apartment and he tags along to the sales she buys from. Religions, a mother, and needy celebrities get in the way. when they find out that they are expecting a child together everyone wonders if they will become a family of five or stay as two men and two women with a baby.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the opportunity to read this book.
Two of a kind is about a Christina Connelly, an interior designer and Dr. Andy Stern, an ob/gyn. Both lost their spouses at least two years ago. They meet at a wedding and eventually start to enjoy the other's company in the following weeks. Christina's 13 year old daughter Jordan is an extremely dedicated ballet dancer and Andy's 16 year old son Oliver is getting into weed, beer, and school expulsion. over the course of a year Christina helps Oliver turn his life around and Jordan keeps finding reasons to dislike Andy. Christina and Andy get closer to each other as Christina helps redecorate his apartment and he tags along to the sales she buys from. Religions, a mother, and needy celebrities get in the way. when they find out that they are expecting a child together everyone wonders if they will become a family of five or stay as two men and two women with a baby.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for the opportunity to read this book.
November 13, 2018
I was so excited to figure out that Yona Zeldis McDonough is the person behind the pseudonym Kitty Zeldis. I had read a book by Kitty Zeldis, "Not Our Kind," which I loved, and was trying to find other books by the author. There were none (yet) but I read that there were many under the author's real name of Yona Zeldis McDonough. I got my hands on this book, "Two of a Kind" and had high hopes to fall in love with it, but something about it left me unfulfilled. Man meets woman at a wedding. Man is a wealthy doctor and widower, with a temper needing taming, and a teenaged son needing help and guidance as he is making really poor choices. Woman is a widow, a designer, and a mother to a teenaged daughter who needs to eat a lot more than she does! Over time, sparks are ignited between the adults, but their relationship irked me. I would not have put up with Dr. Andy's outbursts. I would have noticed my daughter was wasting away. The ending could be seen from the beginning, except for a twist I didn't expect and a sub story pertaining to Andy's mother who had lost her family during the Holocaust. This was not a terrible book. It just wasn't as wonderful as "Not Our Kind."
October 7, 2013
At First Sight: When they first met at a wedding, Christina Connolly and Andy Stern weren't off to the best start. Christina thought Andy rude and brusque, and Andy thought Christina was very reserved and icy.
But Christina, an interior decorator, couldn't turn her nose up at the opportunity to work for Andy - a very successful obi/gyn doctor - on his Upper East Side apartment.
Both are widowers (Christina for 10 years, Andy for about 2), and don't seem to have much in common, each struggling with careers and single-parenthood; but little by little they are drawn to each other, building on a physical attraction they can't help but to explore.
In the background are both their children, Christina's 14 year old Jordan who is an aspiring ballerina who puts too much pressure on herself; and Andy's 16 year old Oliver, who is using drugs to cope with his Mom's death and Andy's workaholic ways.
To Andy's surprise, Oliver likes Christina almost instantly and is happy to spend time with her, but Jordan is another story entirely as she can't seem to stand him; making their blending of their families seem impossible.
Second Glance: Two of a Kind was a pleasant surprise. I hoped I would like it, but I wasn't sure as I hadn't tried this author before and the beginning was a little slow - it takes Christina and Andy a while to get together.
But I loved this book for it's realism, even though they are vaguely attracted to each other at first, Andy and Christina don't jump in bed together, they become friends first and they have many fights - Christina is a bit oversensitive as a result of a childhood spent with a volatile parent; and Andy is used to let his mouth run off and has little tact when dealing with people other than his patients - yet they try to make it work, even when real life keeps intruding.
You also get to see a lot of their life apart, with Christina's struggling business and Andy's practice, and it's nice to see that they have real problems. I even liked Oliver and Jordan, even if Oliver was a bit of aimless and Jordan was a bit of a brat.
My one complaint about the book is that I would have liked to see Andy and Christina spend more time together.
Bottom Line: Two of a Kind was a very enjoyable read, full of characters that right true and sound normal. It's not exactly a romance novel, but it has a very strong romantic element and it had some very sweet moments - my favorite is when Andy tells Oliver that Christina is his girlfriend and Oliver has the best reaction ever.
But Christina, an interior decorator, couldn't turn her nose up at the opportunity to work for Andy - a very successful obi/gyn doctor - on his Upper East Side apartment.
Both are widowers (Christina for 10 years, Andy for about 2), and don't seem to have much in common, each struggling with careers and single-parenthood; but little by little they are drawn to each other, building on a physical attraction they can't help but to explore.
In the background are both their children, Christina's 14 year old Jordan who is an aspiring ballerina who puts too much pressure on herself; and Andy's 16 year old Oliver, who is using drugs to cope with his Mom's death and Andy's workaholic ways.
To Andy's surprise, Oliver likes Christina almost instantly and is happy to spend time with her, but Jordan is another story entirely as she can't seem to stand him; making their blending of their families seem impossible.
Second Glance: Two of a Kind was a pleasant surprise. I hoped I would like it, but I wasn't sure as I hadn't tried this author before and the beginning was a little slow - it takes Christina and Andy a while to get together.
But I loved this book for it's realism, even though they are vaguely attracted to each other at first, Andy and Christina don't jump in bed together, they become friends first and they have many fights - Christina is a bit oversensitive as a result of a childhood spent with a volatile parent; and Andy is used to let his mouth run off and has little tact when dealing with people other than his patients - yet they try to make it work, even when real life keeps intruding.
You also get to see a lot of their life apart, with Christina's struggling business and Andy's practice, and it's nice to see that they have real problems. I even liked Oliver and Jordan, even if Oliver was a bit of aimless and Jordan was a bit of a brat.
My one complaint about the book is that I would have liked to see Andy and Christina spend more time together.
Bottom Line: Two of a Kind was a very enjoyable read, full of characters that right true and sound normal. It's not exactly a romance novel, but it has a very strong romantic element and it had some very sweet moments - my favorite is when Andy tells Oliver that Christina is his girlfriend and Oliver has the best reaction ever.
September 7, 2013
Two Of A Kind
by
Yona Zeldis McDonough
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Two mismatched people find each other but not without issues.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Christina meets Andy but does not like him at first. Eventually their relationship changes. Their lives are a bit more complicated by their children. Andy has his son Oliver...troubled, involved with drugs and sort of lost. Christina has her daughter Jordan...she wants to be a ballerina and the result of that is food issues...of course.
Andy and Christina's relationship is not a smooth one...Christina questions his love, Jordan strongly dislikes him, Andy's mother Ida dislikes Christina...and a further complication sort of brings their relationship to an ending...oh...but wait a moment...this ending could possibly be a new beginning.
It's a complicated saga that is much fun to read. Fans of this author's other book...A Wedding In Great Neck...will love this one, too.
The intrusive mother in law, the pouty teen daughter, the troubled son, and the nature of Andy's profession all make this book very enjoyable. It's the kind of book where you want everyone to live happily ever after. I am not saying whether this happens or doesn't happen...lol.
by
Yona Zeldis McDonough
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Two mismatched people find each other but not without issues.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Christina meets Andy but does not like him at first. Eventually their relationship changes. Their lives are a bit more complicated by their children. Andy has his son Oliver...troubled, involved with drugs and sort of lost. Christina has her daughter Jordan...she wants to be a ballerina and the result of that is food issues...of course.
Andy and Christina's relationship is not a smooth one...Christina questions his love, Jordan strongly dislikes him, Andy's mother Ida dislikes Christina...and a further complication sort of brings their relationship to an ending...oh...but wait a moment...this ending could possibly be a new beginning.
It's a complicated saga that is much fun to read. Fans of this author's other book...A Wedding In Great Neck...will love this one, too.
The intrusive mother in law, the pouty teen daughter, the troubled son, and the nature of Andy's profession all make this book very enjoyable. It's the kind of book where you want everyone to live happily ever after. I am not saying whether this happens or doesn't happen...lol.
September 15, 2013
I think this story shows that you never know where you might meet someone. You also might be surprised by who that person could be. Being very similar or very different, works depending on the two people. These two characters in this story are very different, but it works for them.
At first I did not care for Andy. Yona wrote him in such a way that I thought he was self centered and arrogant. Some times I felt like he was doing things on his own terms without taking other people into consideration. He grew on me as the story moved along.
Christina was a strong independent woman. I liked that she had her own business and was doing fine on her own before she met Andy. She suddenly changed her mind ( no details - I don't want to spoil the story ) towards the end of the book without an event to spark the change. It seemed like it was out of no where.
I felt like the end was a little abrupt. There were a lot of questions that I felt were left unanswered.
I will read another book by Yona Zeldis McDonough.
opesopinions.com
At first I did not care for Andy. Yona wrote him in such a way that I thought he was self centered and arrogant. Some times I felt like he was doing things on his own terms without taking other people into consideration. He grew on me as the story moved along.
Christina was a strong independent woman. I liked that she had her own business and was doing fine on her own before she met Andy. She suddenly changed her mind ( no details - I don't want to spoil the story ) towards the end of the book without an event to spark the change. It seemed like it was out of no where.
I felt like the end was a little abrupt. There were a lot of questions that I felt were left unanswered.
I will read another book by Yona Zeldis McDonough.
opesopinions.com
October 6, 2014
Yona Zeldis McDonough has the elegance and wit of a 21st century Austen as she navigates the romance of two opposites. Each shaken by the loss of a spouse, each raising a difficult teen, her two protagonists live complicated, harried lives -- made all the more so by their meeting. There is much detail and texture to this book, with scenes and settings depicted in sensuous detail. All the while, a strong authorial hand, hinting of capacious, patient love - like a warm beam of light -- guides the book homeward.
January 18, 2026
Only two stars instead of one because I read it all the way through, so it is a slightly compelling, interesting novel.
However, I disliked a lot about this book, too. From the moment I started it- within the first FOUR pages, the main character mentioned THREE separate times that she is "really good at thrifting," loves thrift shops, always buys thrifted clothing, and gets good deals at thrifted clothing. ONCE WAS ENOUGH!! Your readers will remember! (It also mentions that her daughter keeps her hair in a bun literally every other sentence).
it seems like there are annoying, repeated character quirks like this to every single character in the book.
Also, every dialogue line said by a child contains the word "like" thrown into the middle of the sentence. This bothered me to no end.
By the middle, I had no idea what they saw in each other, despite the fact that they were in love. Their kids' problems never got handled properly. Their fights were never fully addressed.
This book annoyed me throughout reading the whole thing.
I'll finish off this review with one good thing. I liked that there were a lot of mini conflicts and resolutions. In the 400+ pages of your average adult romance, there is usually just one up then down plot. I liked that these characters got themselves into many little scurries and scrapes- it kept things moving- while maintaining the original story.
However, I disliked a lot about this book, too. From the moment I started it- within the first FOUR pages, the main character mentioned THREE separate times that she is "really good at thrifting," loves thrift shops, always buys thrifted clothing, and gets good deals at thrifted clothing. ONCE WAS ENOUGH!! Your readers will remember! (It also mentions that her daughter keeps her hair in a bun literally every other sentence).
it seems like there are annoying, repeated character quirks like this to every single character in the book.
Also, every dialogue line said by a child contains the word "like" thrown into the middle of the sentence. This bothered me to no end.
By the middle, I had no idea what they saw in each other, despite the fact that they were in love. Their kids' problems never got handled properly. Their fights were never fully addressed.
This book annoyed me throughout reading the whole thing.
I'll finish off this review with one good thing. I liked that there were a lot of mini conflicts and resolutions. In the 400+ pages of your average adult romance, there is usually just one up then down plot. I liked that these characters got themselves into many little scurries and scrapes- it kept things moving- while maintaining the original story.
March 28, 2019
A very enjoyable read by Yona Zeldis McDonough with characters who you are sure you know, or want to know in real life.
December 8, 2021
ok story
April 20, 2025
April 2015
January 17, 2014
Two of a Kind
By Yona Zeldis McDonough
Can love, like lightning strike twice? It doesn’t seem likely when we meet Christina and Andy. Christina thinks Andy is rude and dismissive, Andy thinks Christina is reserved and cold. However, when offered a chance at a job decorating Andy’s apartment, she knows she cannot refuse.
Andy is a very handsome, successful OB/Gyn doctor whose patient list is like the “who’s who of the New York City elite. He is in high demand, his business is growing. He is so focused on the business and grieving the death of his wife, that he doesn’t realize his teenage son, Oliver is growing more withdrawn. Oliver misses his mother and just wants his father’s love.
Christina is a devoted mother and owner of her interior decorating business. She is the mother to Jordan an aspiring ballerina. Christina’s business is struggling and she is staring down the barrel of having to make changes to provide for her family. She too has lost a spouse, and hasn’t had much luck find “Mr. Right”. Jordan wants nothing more than to be a ballerina and to make her deceased father proud of her; she is focuses solely on improving her dance, no matter the cost.
Fate brings these two families together, but there are plenty of forces trying to tear them apart. Is there really a happily ever after in store for this unlikely couple?
Ms. McDonough takes you on a wonderful journey of a couple who hardly like each other through the ins and outs of a romance. I loved this book; it has the makings of a great story where the main characters don’t immediately fall in love. It is like the building of a relationship from the strong foundation to roof. This book is a must read for all.
By Yona Zeldis McDonough
Can love, like lightning strike twice? It doesn’t seem likely when we meet Christina and Andy. Christina thinks Andy is rude and dismissive, Andy thinks Christina is reserved and cold. However, when offered a chance at a job decorating Andy’s apartment, she knows she cannot refuse.
Andy is a very handsome, successful OB/Gyn doctor whose patient list is like the “who’s who of the New York City elite. He is in high demand, his business is growing. He is so focused on the business and grieving the death of his wife, that he doesn’t realize his teenage son, Oliver is growing more withdrawn. Oliver misses his mother and just wants his father’s love.
Christina is a devoted mother and owner of her interior decorating business. She is the mother to Jordan an aspiring ballerina. Christina’s business is struggling and she is staring down the barrel of having to make changes to provide for her family. She too has lost a spouse, and hasn’t had much luck find “Mr. Right”. Jordan wants nothing more than to be a ballerina and to make her deceased father proud of her; she is focuses solely on improving her dance, no matter the cost.
Fate brings these two families together, but there are plenty of forces trying to tear them apart. Is there really a happily ever after in store for this unlikely couple?
Ms. McDonough takes you on a wonderful journey of a couple who hardly like each other through the ins and outs of a romance. I loved this book; it has the makings of a great story where the main characters don’t immediately fall in love. It is like the building of a relationship from the strong foundation to roof. This book is a must read for all.
August 13, 2018
I loved this book couldn't put it down only to get to the end and not really like how it ended.
Christina is a widow and mother of a teenage girl. She runs a home decorating business from her home. At a wedding she meets a man who couldn't be more not her type but she is drawn to him. The first few dates were a hot mess. He hires her to redecorate his apartment where him and his teenage son live. He too is a widow. He's an obgyn doctor for very high risk patients and he's very expensive. They decide to try to make a relationship go despite him being Jewish and her catholic. But once again after budding in to Cristina's daughters life even though he ended up saving it was more than Christina can handle she flew off the handle at him then apologized when she realized he saved her saved her daughters life but then he realizes it's never gonna work and he ends things with her. Shortly thereafter she finds out she's pregnant and is debating about what to do? Word gets back to doxtor Andy that's she pregnant and is thinking about having an abortion and he rushes to her at once to try and convince her this is a sign they should be together
Christina is a widow and mother of a teenage girl. She runs a home decorating business from her home. At a wedding she meets a man who couldn't be more not her type but she is drawn to him. The first few dates were a hot mess. He hires her to redecorate his apartment where him and his teenage son live. He too is a widow. He's an obgyn doctor for very high risk patients and he's very expensive. They decide to try to make a relationship go despite him being Jewish and her catholic. But once again after budding in to Cristina's daughters life even though he ended up saving it was more than Christina can handle she flew off the handle at him then apologized when she realized he saved her saved her daughters life but then he realizes it's never gonna work and he ends things with her. Shortly thereafter she finds out she's pregnant and is debating about what to do? Word gets back to doxtor Andy that's she pregnant and is thinking about having an abortion and he rushes to her at once to try and convince her this is a sign they should be together
May 18, 2015
I found author Yona McDounough by way of her children's novel The Doll Shop Downstairs, which my daughter and I loved.
However TWO OF A KIND was a book for mommy ;)
I'm a sucker for a happily ever after and this book didn't disappoint. However it wasn't your typical everyday love story of woman and man meet, fall in love, then end. I enjoyed the level of angst between the two quite complex characters and the adversity both were faced with in their mutually busy lives. It took a while for the two to discover that there might be something more between them than initially felt at their first chance meeting.
The story is wonderfully orchestrated, only made better by McDonough's elegant writing style.
Always on my recommended books list!
However TWO OF A KIND was a book for mommy ;)
I'm a sucker for a happily ever after and this book didn't disappoint. However it wasn't your typical everyday love story of woman and man meet, fall in love, then end. I enjoyed the level of angst between the two quite complex characters and the adversity both were faced with in their mutually busy lives. It took a while for the two to discover that there might be something more between them than initially felt at their first chance meeting.
The story is wonderfully orchestrated, only made better by McDonough's elegant writing style.
Always on my recommended books list!
June 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this story and the insight to all the characters, I enjoyed that it was written from the point of view of 5 different people. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The kind of book where you pace yourself at the end because you don't want it to end. I was a little disappointed at how it came to such a sudden end, the whole time I was reading this book I was ready to give it 5 stars, but the ending disappointed me a little. I can't wait to read other books from this author
September 30, 2015
Christina is a single mom and a struggling decorator. Her preoccupation with objects and interiors gives the novel a strong sense of place. Mark, her lover, is a crabby ob/gyn with glamorous patients. They each have a teenage child with their own struggles who are also lovable in spite of their annoying flaws. Nothing was predictable here, no one was too easy to figure out and I thoroughly enjoyed reading right up until the last suspenseful page.
July 21, 2014
This book was a surprise for me - I picked it up thinking it would be a light paperback romance. It is a romance, but with more substance than the usual "beach read." I especially liked the way the author told the story from multiple points of view - after all, most things about human relationships have two or more viewpoints. Life is messy - it's not just about Christina and Andy, it's also about their families, neighbors, and work. Look out for a few extra plot twists, too.
February 9, 2015
Terrific story.
This was a very enjoyable story and the fact that I was quite sure how it would end did not in any way effect my enjoyment. I loved how the book was written from five points of view and felt that the author did a good job of making each unique.
This is the second book I've read by Yona Z. McDonough and I plan to move happily on to number 3 immediately. Highly recommended.
This was a very enjoyable story and the fact that I was quite sure how it would end did not in any way effect my enjoyment. I loved how the book was written from five points of view and felt that the author did a good job of making each unique.
This is the second book I've read by Yona Z. McDonough and I plan to move happily on to number 3 immediately. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2014
A great summer read
A great summer read
this is a wonderful story about second chances!! It has family drama as well as romance and some teen angst with the children of the main characters. It was a nice break from my thriller, murder mysteries. It was a beautifully written story and I just loved Christina!!
A great summer read
this is a wonderful story about second chances!! It has family drama as well as romance and some teen angst with the children of the main characters. It was a nice break from my thriller, murder mysteries. It was a beautifully written story and I just loved Christina!!
September 15, 2013
this book was really good. i like how the couple had an on off relationship and i defineatly recommend this book to people who like romance novels
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March 5, 2016Kind of a chick-book, but I liked it anyway. LOvely story -- Jewish MD, Catholic decorator, bratty daughter, grieving son. Read it.
January 31, 2014
Predictable.
March 1, 2014
Mediocre at best.
March 8, 2014
Light reading. I wouldn't tell anyone to race out and buy it. Kind of a trite ending but overall it was fine.
November 11, 2014
Love, loss, recovering, growing, moving on. All covered in this story. Kind of a predictable ending, but an easy, enjoyable read.
April 16, 2015
They book was overall pretty good. It was very predictable but it was a good read. I liked the change of perspectives.
September 2, 2015
Good book, very well written! The main characters are very different from each other, but end up together.
February 3, 2016
Disappointed. Have liked her other books. This one not so much. Characters seemed really contrived.
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