What do you think?
Rate this book
Out of Warranty: A Novel
If you've ever struggled with a health insurance claim, you'll love Haywood Smith's witty send-up of the health insurance industry, the drug companies, the medical profession, and falling apart ten years before Medicare. From the beloved author of The Red Hat Club and Wife-in-Law, Out of Warranty is a witty story of two lonely misfits who find exactly what they need in the most unlikely of situations, with a bonus of humor and heart.
"If you have anything weird wrong with you in this country, you'd better be Canadian."
So says widowed Cassie Jones when, after being written off by countless doctors, she finally finds one who diagnoses her with a rare genetic form of arthritis. The condition is manageable, but not curable, and a new diagnosis, so her health insurance refuses to pay for most of her expensive medications and treatment. So widowed Cassie, still grieving for the love of her life and facing destitution because of her medical bills, decides she has to remarry for better health coverage. Enter one-legged hermit and curmudgeon Jack Wilson, on the same appointment schedule at their specialist's, who's rude and obnoxious, but eventually tries to help by setting up e-dating for Cassie. After a hilarious round of fix-ups and e-dating, Cassie's left with no hope and no prospects.
That's when Jack offers a strictly business marriage that could solve both their problems, with a serious set of house rules, including separate bedrooms. How well it will work remains to be seen.
With her trademark humor and sass, Haywood brings these two characters to life in an unlikely grown-up relationship that transcends their medical problems and will leave readers smiling long after the last page is turned.
"If you have anything weird wrong with you in this country, you'd better be Canadian."
So says widowed Cassie Jones when, after being written off by countless doctors, she finally finds one who diagnoses her with a rare genetic form of arthritis. The condition is manageable, but not curable, and a new diagnosis, so her health insurance refuses to pay for most of her expensive medications and treatment. So widowed Cassie, still grieving for the love of her life and facing destitution because of her medical bills, decides she has to remarry for better health coverage. Enter one-legged hermit and curmudgeon Jack Wilson, on the same appointment schedule at their specialist's, who's rude and obnoxious, but eventually tries to help by setting up e-dating for Cassie. After a hilarious round of fix-ups and e-dating, Cassie's left with no hope and no prospects.
That's when Jack offers a strictly business marriage that could solve both their problems, with a serious set of house rules, including separate bedrooms. How well it will work remains to be seen.
With her trademark humor and sass, Haywood brings these two characters to life in an unlikely grown-up relationship that transcends their medical problems and will leave readers smiling long after the last page is turned.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2013
21 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 11, 2013
My mom gave me this book to read. Today.
I was hesitant. It's about old people being old. It's not my normal reading material and I wasn't very interested.
I started reading it this afternoon and I didn't stop. The writing is superb. The story, about two, let's be honest, late middle aged people having medical problems that almost bankrupts and kill them, turns out to be enthralling. I couldn't put the damn thing down. It was simultaneously funny, heart warming, heart wrenching, and very human. I loved it.
Edit: After reading the other reviews I found out that this is a "Christian" novel. People are complaining of the overtly Christian references. So what? I'm not what you'd consider a Christian and I found it completely believable, this is a woman in her mid-fifties who identifies as a Christian and wants a Christian mate. Shocker! And they pray a few times. Good Cthulhu people, get over it. It was a good book regardless of the religion of the characters in it.
I was hesitant. It's about old people being old. It's not my normal reading material and I wasn't very interested.
I started reading it this afternoon and I didn't stop. The writing is superb. The story, about two, let's be honest, late middle aged people having medical problems that almost bankrupts and kill them, turns out to be enthralling. I couldn't put the damn thing down. It was simultaneously funny, heart warming, heart wrenching, and very human. I loved it.
Edit: After reading the other reviews I found out that this is a "Christian" novel. People are complaining of the overtly Christian references. So what? I'm not what you'd consider a Christian and I found it completely believable, this is a woman in her mid-fifties who identifies as a Christian and wants a Christian mate. Shocker! And they pray a few times. Good Cthulhu people, get over it. It was a good book regardless of the religion of the characters in it.
March 1, 2013
I've given this book 5 stars for 2 reasons. First, because I love Haywood Smith's way of writing. And, more importantly, because I've spent years dealing with doctor's who can't 'plug' my symptoms into a convenient hole that fits their comfort zone. Therefore, I've been patted on my head and patronized more times than I care to count. Simply put, Haywood has very likely changed lives and restored sanity to those people reading this book who recognize their symptoms in her story and find hope in addressing their declining health issues. Kudos to her!!!!
Haywood, God Bless you and keep you well!
Haywood, God Bless you and keep you well!
September 13, 2020
Picked this up for $1.00 at a book sale because I thought the cover was fun and the summary relatable. I didn't realize at the time that it was a Christian novel so that was just a bonus for me. (Not overdone so don't let that keep you from enjoying the tale.) I hate to classify this as romance but it's not your typical formula romance and it's geared to middle-aged readers such as myself, so another bonus for that. I'm giving it 4-stars for the shear enjoyment I got from reading it-a great, light, Summer read.
December 16, 2022
A sweet, fun read. Anyone who suffers from chronic pain or other illness will identify with the main characters and do a lot of head nodding as you read. Excellent! The fact that the main character owns a pot-bellied pig is a bonus in cuteness.
If you need a book to (almost) restore your faith in humanity, give this one a try.
re-read in 12/2022: This is really the perfect book for me. I re-read it every couple of years, always in December though it has nothing to do with Christmas. This is my 'I want to reread something I know will make me feel good' book.
If you need a book to (almost) restore your faith in humanity, give this one a try.
re-read in 12/2022: This is really the perfect book for me. I re-read it every couple of years, always in December though it has nothing to do with Christmas. This is my 'I want to reread something I know will make me feel good' book.
June 28, 2013
The basic premise of this book is amusing enough -- after experiencing astronomical expenses for an unusual health condition, a relatively newly widowed Cassie teams up with an equally ill Jack to fight insurance companies in the health care equivalent of a green card: finding a new husband with healthy insurance benefits to have and to hold and cover her health care expenses.
It may sound a little mercenary, but it was all handled in a humorous, tasteful manner. Cassie and Jack's relationship and understanding of each other was a nice plot element to watch. This was a nice gentle, read, that was perfect for my back porch in the summer. The thing that pushed this novel from a three to a four was Haywood Smith's descriptions of what life is like when you have a serious, but relatively unknown illness. Smith gave Cassie the illness that she, herself, has: a congenital degenerative arthritis, compounded by systemic fungal infection. In my case, it's an allergy to natural rubber/latex and resultant airway disease. Both illnesses are not commonplace, and often cause blank stares when mentioned to others. Both necessitate huge lifestyle changes, both in terms of what can be in your home, how to clean, what to eat, etc.
So, because I thought Smith presented a glimpse into a world I know very well, and for the character, Jack, for having a heroine who is physically flawed, and for fun shout outs to the Atlanta area (which I am familiar with), I added an extra star.
It may sound a little mercenary, but it was all handled in a humorous, tasteful manner. Cassie and Jack's relationship and understanding of each other was a nice plot element to watch. This was a nice gentle, read, that was perfect for my back porch in the summer. The thing that pushed this novel from a three to a four was Haywood Smith's descriptions of what life is like when you have a serious, but relatively unknown illness. Smith gave Cassie the illness that she, herself, has: a congenital degenerative arthritis, compounded by systemic fungal infection. In my case, it's an allergy to natural rubber/latex and resultant airway disease. Both illnesses are not commonplace, and often cause blank stares when mentioned to others. Both necessitate huge lifestyle changes, both in terms of what can be in your home, how to clean, what to eat, etc.
So, because I thought Smith presented a glimpse into a world I know very well, and for the character, Jack, for having a heroine who is physically flawed, and for fun shout outs to the Atlanta area (which I am familiar with), I added an extra star.
March 26, 2020
3.5 stars ✨
March 24, 2013
I love, love, LOVE this new book by Haywood Smith! As a baby boomer with serious medical issues, too ill to work but not old enough to collect social security, this book really hit home! How many times have I sat there going through EOB statements and thinking WTF? Anyhow, Out of Warranty by Haywood Smith is a super and very satisfying read, especially if you are a person of a certain age. If you have any medical issues at all, Ms. Smith gets it SO RIGHT about the expensive and discouraging place in which you find yourself between age 50 and when Social Security kicks in. I have been through so much of the terrible quandary she describes disguised as a delightful novel, even the icky dating part. I consider this a must read...will be rereading it in the future!
February 17, 2013
A light, funny, quick read. It was nice to read a book about a health problem that was not overly depressing or guilt ridden. The friendship theme was nice and refreshing. I also liked that the older people in the book had to let go of the many things they had accumulated over their lives so they could move on. Note to self, stop holding on to so much stuff!
August 2, 2020
“Out of warranty” is a modern day love story which is very timely considering how many people are experiencing insurance woes.
Cassie Jones is a recently widowed woman living in Atlanta who lives at home alone with a pet pig and takes care of her active eighty-nine year old mother. After seeing countless doctors, she finally finds a doctor who diagnoses her with a rare genetic form of arthritis. Since her condition is new, her health insurance refuses to pay for most of her expensive medications and treatment. Cassie is worried that she will be broke due to her mounting medical bills and eventually decides to remarry for better health coverage.
Jack Wilson is a man who is mad at the world and especially at the American health care system since he feels all the doctors just want to take your money. Although Jack is employed as an adjunct literature professor, his COPD has recently gotten unbearable.
Cassie and Jack meet while waiting for a medical appointment to see the same doctor. Initially, Jack views Cassie as a rich nutcase and Cassie views Jack as an eccentric one-legged hermit rude and obnoxious curmudgeon.
As the book progresses, Cassie and Jack’s relationship transforms from that of strangers to becoming good friends. The book is entertaining, humorous as well as relatable given the current state of the American health care system.
The most surprising this about this book is that a the age of fifty-six, Cassie can be classified as a senior citizen since some restaurants start giving customers over fifty-five a senior discount. I’ve was under the impression that a senior citizen is someone aged sixty-five and older but this book definitely changed my perception of life after fifty.
Cassie Jones is a recently widowed woman living in Atlanta who lives at home alone with a pet pig and takes care of her active eighty-nine year old mother. After seeing countless doctors, she finally finds a doctor who diagnoses her with a rare genetic form of arthritis. Since her condition is new, her health insurance refuses to pay for most of her expensive medications and treatment. Cassie is worried that she will be broke due to her mounting medical bills and eventually decides to remarry for better health coverage.
Jack Wilson is a man who is mad at the world and especially at the American health care system since he feels all the doctors just want to take your money. Although Jack is employed as an adjunct literature professor, his COPD has recently gotten unbearable.
Cassie and Jack meet while waiting for a medical appointment to see the same doctor. Initially, Jack views Cassie as a rich nutcase and Cassie views Jack as an eccentric one-legged hermit rude and obnoxious curmudgeon.
As the book progresses, Cassie and Jack’s relationship transforms from that of strangers to becoming good friends. The book is entertaining, humorous as well as relatable given the current state of the American health care system.
The most surprising this about this book is that a the age of fifty-six, Cassie can be classified as a senior citizen since some restaurants start giving customers over fifty-five a senior discount. I’ve was under the impression that a senior citizen is someone aged sixty-five and older but this book definitely changed my perception of life after fifty.
March 22, 2023
Haywood Smith always delivers a healthy dose of humor along with endearing characters. I really enjoyed this one. For a few laughs, try this one.
May 17, 2020
Sometimes we need a book that is more like comfort food than fine dining. This was a lovely read.
March 5, 2013
Good but not great. Marriage of convenience story between two people in their 50s/60s who share a common ailment. Cassie is a widow and Jack a professor who bond together when Cassie helps Jack demold his house. There was a discrepancy in the part of the story in Detroit and an error (HIPAA violation given the wrong acronym). But my real problem with this book, not published by a Christian publisher, is its constant references to Christianity, God, church, etc. Yet unbelievably Cassie didn't know the faith of one of her best friends. But even with that improbability, there was just too much emphasis on religion--to the point I was uncomfortable as I read the story. Disappointing to say the least. This should have been published by a Christian publisher.
February 2, 2013
An enjoyable read! This the first book I've read by Haywood Smith. I'd heard good things and expected a fun read. I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. This book is about two quirky, interesting misfits. They have health problems and life issues going on and end up crossing paths. I wasn't sure how this would all work out or end up. It was fun to find out. I will be looking into more of her books.
June 14, 2013
Haywood Smith's Out of Warranty was my first Christian novel, and I quite enjoyed it. The hero and heroine were in their fifties with health issues, so it wasn't your typical romance. Their characters were fully-developed with a large dollop of realism that had me turning the pages, wondering what was going to happen to them next. I would recommend it to any reader who wants to step outside the boundaries of the formula romance.
March 31, 2013
An engaging plot, which seems to begin by annotating some of the more egregious ills afflicting our dysfunctional health care system, but segues into a low-key romance with some Christian overtones. The story moves along at a good pace, the characters engage your sympathy, the romance is almost comic, and the religious viewpoint is never preachy.
March 7, 2016
This was an easy to read upbeat humorous book. I fell in love with the characters.
March 11, 2013
Out of Warranty: Haywood Smith
Did you ever feel like the inside of an Oreo cookie stuck within the confines of the two outer parts with nowhere to go? Did you ever wonder why when you get older you body parts seem to fall apart and you cannot go to a mechanic to repair them? Life should be better and more fun when you get older. Retirement, going on vacations, forgetting about all the things you learned about bomb shelters, doomsday rooms and hardships while growing up should be in the past as you begin to enjoy life. But, Cassie recounts her troubles, her fears and even her feelings about the 60’s; JFK’s assassination followed by Robert and Dr. Kings added more to the stress level of her parents and the worries of those aptly named Baby boomers. But, Cassie has her own fall. Her own crisis when her husband Tom dies in his sleep leaving her alone. Hip replacements, joints replaced, the sicker one of the two, Cassie never thought that Tom would go first. But, he did and her children rallies around her just long enough for the funeral and then as Cassie relates to the reader she is totally alone. But, enough serious and let’s get down to the fact that this book is really hilarious and the situations that the author relates are could be right out of Lucy, Ethel Ricky and Fred. Out of Warranty is Haywood Smith at her best. So many people are plagued with this illness it take fortitude, guts, humor and perseverance to override the impossible, keep your head about you and definitely to stand up for what you believe. But, both Cassie and Jack have their own special styles for dealing with the doctors, pharmacies and of course their families.
When Cassie meets Jack it is anything but even like at first sight. Their conversation deals with their respective illnesses, she can’t stop talking, he just wants to get away from her and they both want to survive the medical mayhem they are about the encounter. Doctor’s visits tend to be different with each medical provider. The first thing they ask is for your insurance card and the next you hope you can pay for it. When poor Cassie finally learns her fate and so does Jack they begin to wonder if they should hope to win the lottery or just clean out their bank accounts and sign them over to the Dr. Patel. The fun begins as we hear Dr. Patel’s verdict you might say. That’s the easy part because then the author shares Cassie’s innermost thoughts that she would love to verbalize to the doctor but holds back. Now, that is not all because poor Cassie needs to find out the cost of redoing the inside, outside and every part of her house to make sure that it is fungus free. Add up all the costs and you begin to wonder just why we pay so much for health care and why it will cost her not only for the visits but for the extras too.
So, Cassie gets an estimate on her home from the remediation people. Sounds like arbitration but not really but she had no choice but to hire someone. Next, she bought a respirator, special clothing detergent, soap, shampoo and much more but let’s not forget poor Juliette her pig, who had to have a sense of humor of his own to deal with the fact he was going to have to defungued too poor thing. But, he was a good sport as he wound up going to a special spa you might say for Pigs while this whole processes was unfolding.
Welcome to the world of I will only care for you as you as your coverage allows? Jack is annoyed just sitting near Cassie and her nonstop conversation drives him crazy. Short tempered, a real grouch and definitely not someone like her Tom, these two team up to beat the health care system and possibly allow poor Cassie to get better medical coverage. The research that author Haywood Smith shares about these allergies is real and unfortunately baby boomers still feeling spry, not so old that they have want to kick it in should be able to afford to live life in financial ease when reaching what some call the golden years. But, Jack and Cassie face other issues besides her family not really their for her, her finances dwindling and after hearing the doctor’s diagnosis and plan I would begin to wonder whether he really cared for her welfare or just helping other doctors by referring her for more tests. But, the fun has yet to begin as poor Cassie get the shock of her life when the nurse tells her the cost of the visit, the ridiculous amount of meds that filled more shopping bags than some people carry out of a supermarket, the humidifier, the mold cleaners, fumigation materials and much more to make her house safe and fungus free. So, how does she cope and what about the vaccines? But, Cassie is not the only one that is enduring the advice of Dr. Patel. Jack is too but not quite the same way. Both decided to give themselves on last diet hurrah as no more bread, carbs, sugar, wheat and so many more things that I guess they both need to invest in Spring water, fresh fruits and vegetables and tons of chicken. Sounds like my regular diet but I know I need my oatmeal.
Imagine answering the door with all of this gear? Imagine trying to find a happy medium for yourself without losing your mind. Both Jack and Cassie calling two men that are supposed to be able to fix there houses in order to make them safe find themselves the brunt of one’s nasty ways and the other complacent about the costs. So, why not start by doing some cleaning out yourself. One over fifty year old senior calls her 88 year old young mother to organize, throw out, shred and get the ball you might say rolling. Meeting Cassie’s mother is great. She is a total inspiration to anyone who thinks 80 is old and someone her age can’t enjoy a good Zumba class. Now, Cassie’s mother is a true inspiration and her take on everything is priceless. Jack and Cassie are like oil and water at times but somehow you think they just might connect.
So, what’s the answer to her woes? You just won’t believe the solution. Find a husband and get better insurance. With the help or her friend and her mother she meets two guys that outwardly appear normal but one loves to drink and the other well his confession would make anyone in a confessional make him do more hail Mary’s and then some for his in behavior. That’s all I will say the rest you have to read for yourself because this too is a riot when you think about it.
Cleaning her house from top to bottom and using the method on the show Clean Sweep just might work when I start cleaning my closets next week. Getting her house mold free, finding someone to provide medical coverage so when Jack comes up with a solution to join forces in a unique way she thinks about it for a while and realizes that even though he is difficult, hard to handle at times he needs someone to care for him and she needs coverage.
One man fighting COPD, mold and other allergies and one woman with allergies and arthritis, team up to override the words Out of Network, won’t pay and those two annoying and horrific words: Claim Denied by you guessed it GETTING MARRIED! That’ll show the doctors and others that Cassie and Jack will not falter and fold. What happens when the costs to seniors are too high and your funds are running out? You sit down and write out your marriage requirement rules to live by in order to see if this union will work. Cassie and Jack decide to get married for two reasons: Health insurance and mold free house. Just how that comes about, what her requirements were in her twenty-page email she sent him and what his limited list was you have to read for yourself. This book is hysterical yet two people from entirely different worlds you might say wind up together but will it last? Wait until Cassie’s daughter hits her with another bombshell and you find out Cassie’s rule for learning about past wives. This is priceless. Can two people that have books and not much else in common join forces in marriage? Can Jack and Cassie live together without killing each other? An ending that will definitely require a box of tissues and two people that will let seniors know that life just begins at any age and you never know when Mr. Right or in this case the right friend or partner will come into your life. So, let’s give thanks to the mold allergies for uniting these two such different people. Cassie: straightforward and neat: Jack a sloppy, cranky yet down deep kind. So can Felix Unger and Oscar Madison make it? Read Out of Warranty and find out for yourself. Only author Haywood Smith can deliver a novel filled with humor, bring to light important issues many face today dealing with drug companies and health insurance and deliver that right mix of hilarity, sarcasm, family love and much more. So, let’s hope we hear some more about these two and find out what life has in store for them.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
Did you ever feel like the inside of an Oreo cookie stuck within the confines of the two outer parts with nowhere to go? Did you ever wonder why when you get older you body parts seem to fall apart and you cannot go to a mechanic to repair them? Life should be better and more fun when you get older. Retirement, going on vacations, forgetting about all the things you learned about bomb shelters, doomsday rooms and hardships while growing up should be in the past as you begin to enjoy life. But, Cassie recounts her troubles, her fears and even her feelings about the 60’s; JFK’s assassination followed by Robert and Dr. Kings added more to the stress level of her parents and the worries of those aptly named Baby boomers. But, Cassie has her own fall. Her own crisis when her husband Tom dies in his sleep leaving her alone. Hip replacements, joints replaced, the sicker one of the two, Cassie never thought that Tom would go first. But, he did and her children rallies around her just long enough for the funeral and then as Cassie relates to the reader she is totally alone. But, enough serious and let’s get down to the fact that this book is really hilarious and the situations that the author relates are could be right out of Lucy, Ethel Ricky and Fred. Out of Warranty is Haywood Smith at her best. So many people are plagued with this illness it take fortitude, guts, humor and perseverance to override the impossible, keep your head about you and definitely to stand up for what you believe. But, both Cassie and Jack have their own special styles for dealing with the doctors, pharmacies and of course their families.
When Cassie meets Jack it is anything but even like at first sight. Their conversation deals with their respective illnesses, she can’t stop talking, he just wants to get away from her and they both want to survive the medical mayhem they are about the encounter. Doctor’s visits tend to be different with each medical provider. The first thing they ask is for your insurance card and the next you hope you can pay for it. When poor Cassie finally learns her fate and so does Jack they begin to wonder if they should hope to win the lottery or just clean out their bank accounts and sign them over to the Dr. Patel. The fun begins as we hear Dr. Patel’s verdict you might say. That’s the easy part because then the author shares Cassie’s innermost thoughts that she would love to verbalize to the doctor but holds back. Now, that is not all because poor Cassie needs to find out the cost of redoing the inside, outside and every part of her house to make sure that it is fungus free. Add up all the costs and you begin to wonder just why we pay so much for health care and why it will cost her not only for the visits but for the extras too.
So, Cassie gets an estimate on her home from the remediation people. Sounds like arbitration but not really but she had no choice but to hire someone. Next, she bought a respirator, special clothing detergent, soap, shampoo and much more but let’s not forget poor Juliette her pig, who had to have a sense of humor of his own to deal with the fact he was going to have to defungued too poor thing. But, he was a good sport as he wound up going to a special spa you might say for Pigs while this whole processes was unfolding.
Welcome to the world of I will only care for you as you as your coverage allows? Jack is annoyed just sitting near Cassie and her nonstop conversation drives him crazy. Short tempered, a real grouch and definitely not someone like her Tom, these two team up to beat the health care system and possibly allow poor Cassie to get better medical coverage. The research that author Haywood Smith shares about these allergies is real and unfortunately baby boomers still feeling spry, not so old that they have want to kick it in should be able to afford to live life in financial ease when reaching what some call the golden years. But, Jack and Cassie face other issues besides her family not really their for her, her finances dwindling and after hearing the doctor’s diagnosis and plan I would begin to wonder whether he really cared for her welfare or just helping other doctors by referring her for more tests. But, the fun has yet to begin as poor Cassie get the shock of her life when the nurse tells her the cost of the visit, the ridiculous amount of meds that filled more shopping bags than some people carry out of a supermarket, the humidifier, the mold cleaners, fumigation materials and much more to make her house safe and fungus free. So, how does she cope and what about the vaccines? But, Cassie is not the only one that is enduring the advice of Dr. Patel. Jack is too but not quite the same way. Both decided to give themselves on last diet hurrah as no more bread, carbs, sugar, wheat and so many more things that I guess they both need to invest in Spring water, fresh fruits and vegetables and tons of chicken. Sounds like my regular diet but I know I need my oatmeal.
Imagine answering the door with all of this gear? Imagine trying to find a happy medium for yourself without losing your mind. Both Jack and Cassie calling two men that are supposed to be able to fix there houses in order to make them safe find themselves the brunt of one’s nasty ways and the other complacent about the costs. So, why not start by doing some cleaning out yourself. One over fifty year old senior calls her 88 year old young mother to organize, throw out, shred and get the ball you might say rolling. Meeting Cassie’s mother is great. She is a total inspiration to anyone who thinks 80 is old and someone her age can’t enjoy a good Zumba class. Now, Cassie’s mother is a true inspiration and her take on everything is priceless. Jack and Cassie are like oil and water at times but somehow you think they just might connect.
So, what’s the answer to her woes? You just won’t believe the solution. Find a husband and get better insurance. With the help or her friend and her mother she meets two guys that outwardly appear normal but one loves to drink and the other well his confession would make anyone in a confessional make him do more hail Mary’s and then some for his in behavior. That’s all I will say the rest you have to read for yourself because this too is a riot when you think about it.
Cleaning her house from top to bottom and using the method on the show Clean Sweep just might work when I start cleaning my closets next week. Getting her house mold free, finding someone to provide medical coverage so when Jack comes up with a solution to join forces in a unique way she thinks about it for a while and realizes that even though he is difficult, hard to handle at times he needs someone to care for him and she needs coverage.
One man fighting COPD, mold and other allergies and one woman with allergies and arthritis, team up to override the words Out of Network, won’t pay and those two annoying and horrific words: Claim Denied by you guessed it GETTING MARRIED! That’ll show the doctors and others that Cassie and Jack will not falter and fold. What happens when the costs to seniors are too high and your funds are running out? You sit down and write out your marriage requirement rules to live by in order to see if this union will work. Cassie and Jack decide to get married for two reasons: Health insurance and mold free house. Just how that comes about, what her requirements were in her twenty-page email she sent him and what his limited list was you have to read for yourself. This book is hysterical yet two people from entirely different worlds you might say wind up together but will it last? Wait until Cassie’s daughter hits her with another bombshell and you find out Cassie’s rule for learning about past wives. This is priceless. Can two people that have books and not much else in common join forces in marriage? Can Jack and Cassie live together without killing each other? An ending that will definitely require a box of tissues and two people that will let seniors know that life just begins at any age and you never know when Mr. Right or in this case the right friend or partner will come into your life. So, let’s give thanks to the mold allergies for uniting these two such different people. Cassie: straightforward and neat: Jack a sloppy, cranky yet down deep kind. So can Felix Unger and Oscar Madison make it? Read Out of Warranty and find out for yourself. Only author Haywood Smith can deliver a novel filled with humor, bring to light important issues many face today dealing with drug companies and health insurance and deliver that right mix of hilarity, sarcasm, family love and much more. So, let’s hope we hear some more about these two and find out what life has in store for them.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
January 9, 2018
Out of Warranty was a light read which I enjoyed very much. The novel is set in modern day time in the Atlanta metro area and centers around two middle aged people who share a common health ailment---severe allergic reaction to mold which has severely impaired their health. Cassie has recently been widowed and is grieving her husband's sudden, unexpected death and John is a divorced semi-retired English literature professor who lives on a small farm and has pretty much given up on life. They meet in the lobby of a allergy specialist's office and are both told they must make many major and expensive changes in their environment to improve their health. Along with all this, they are both dealing with all the frustrations of the limitations of their health insurance.
I loved the writing style. There was a lot of humor interspersed throughout the book and the language was so familiar and down-to-earth. I found myself thinking several times that a particular thought phrase narrated for one of the characters was exactly one I would use. There is a Christian overtone but the author definitely doesn't 'preach'. I found it very refreshing to read a novel with Christian references that had characters who weren't perfect and also wasn't a stereotypical romance novel. I also love reading a novel that doesn't need to use profanity or sexual relationships.
The book probably appealed to me more than some people because I worked for an allergy & asthma specialist for a year and his main office was in Atlanta. I also had a personal experience with my health deteriorating after I moved to the South Carolina due to allergy problems with mold. My health improved greatly after I moved to the Midwest. So I was all too familiar with so much of the terms and treatments described in Cassie and John's situation.
I highly recommend this book for an entertaining read.
I loved the writing style. There was a lot of humor interspersed throughout the book and the language was so familiar and down-to-earth. I found myself thinking several times that a particular thought phrase narrated for one of the characters was exactly one I would use. There is a Christian overtone but the author definitely doesn't 'preach'. I found it very refreshing to read a novel with Christian references that had characters who weren't perfect and also wasn't a stereotypical romance novel. I also love reading a novel that doesn't need to use profanity or sexual relationships.
The book probably appealed to me more than some people because I worked for an allergy & asthma specialist for a year and his main office was in Atlanta. I also had a personal experience with my health deteriorating after I moved to the South Carolina due to allergy problems with mold. My health improved greatly after I moved to the Midwest. So I was all too familiar with so much of the terms and treatments described in Cassie and John's situation.
I highly recommend this book for an entertaining read.
January 14, 2020
This is a thoughtful "boomer" romance, based on the health problems the author has. She has created two very likable adults who are struggling to get healthier. One protagonist, Cassie, is widowed and has just been diagnosed with fungal related arthritis. The other, a divorcé named Jack, has COPD which is aggravated by mold and fungus as well. The two meet at the office of their new specialist. They both are stunned by the high cost of the healthcare, medications, and supplements the doctor orders, but they both feel that this is a last resort so they remediate the mold in their houses and begin a new regimen. Cassie realizes that her late husband's health insurance is running out and she decides that she needs to remarry if for nothing else the insurance. So begins an unlikely relationship which buds over the course of the story. The characters are interesting and and story is very readable. Note that there is a strong Christian message in this story as both of the characters speak often of their faith and utter prayers throughout.
July 10, 2021
I liked the premise of this book, especially since I frequently see people struggling to pay for health care. While many aspects were realistic, some were very ridiculous. The exaggeration of some of the medical referrals the main characters dealt with did help make a point, but were used a little too often. One detail that bothered me was that the insurance wouldn't cover a new diagnosis. Usually it is pre-existing conditions that cause problems. I liked the build up of friendship between Cassie and Jack, but I felt like there could have been more around the marriage proposal and the marriage itself. Also, once they are married, the author never really mentions if they find resolution to their financial problems or whether Jack's insurance will cover all of Cassie's expenses. This book was light and had some funny moments so I did enjoy reading it.
June 3, 2018
I loved this book! It's so refreshing to find a "love story" for people of a "certain" age. Although the story did start off a little slow and got a bit monotonous with the whole mold remediation story, I really did like it. Especially as I'm going through the same thing in my home right now. The communications between Cassie and Jack were so real and sweet they had me cheering for them from the git go. I would definitely recommend and would love to follow their story further.
January 8, 2024
Read this as a pick from my book club. While it was not one I would have picked for myself, I did enjoy reading it. There were a handful of times I found myself laughing out loud. However, I have mixed feelings about how the book ended. I wish we would have been able to see how the children felt about this new relationship between Jack and Cassie. I also wished that relationship would have been explored a bit more...I just felt like the story ran out of gas before getting to the destination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
I loved it! After reading the acknowledgements, I doubt I was the target audience, being 20 years old. Nevertheless this book kept me smiling and rooting for the two. Love stories after a love story (widow, divorcees) is so beautiful to me. This is my first Haywood smith novel and certainly will not be my last!
September 15, 2021
Loved this book from the first page. Would’ve been five stars except that the ending was just a bit too abrupt for all the detailed and engaging character and plot development. I have so many unanswered questions that I still want answered, and I don’t think it’s part of a series (that will be my next search). Great book club read!
November 27, 2017
This is a bit of a different genre for me. But the health insurance struggle is something I am watching my mom go through and this book was interesting and fast paced. Made me laugh out loud a few times and tugged the heartstrings. My first Haywood Smith, definitely need to read more of her!
January 10, 2018
I enjoyed the story of Cassie and Jack. Haywood Smith is one of my all time favorite authors, before the Red Hat series. The book took some time to pick up steam, and then flew. I wish there was more to the end of the story with all their kids involved. Still a great fun read!
January 20, 2018
Plot, great 👍 storyline...
Just discovered your books with Ladies of the Lake & have since gotten up to date, haven't read your mysteries yet but Love all of your 📚.. Keep writing, look forward to many more.
Just discovered your books with Ladies of the Lake & have since gotten up to date, haven't read your mysteries yet but Love all of your 📚.. Keep writing, look forward to many more.
January 25, 2019
A hilarious look at two characters with the same rare condition and how they end up taking care of each other, despite their differences. This was a fun read about older characters who can be themselves and not worry what others think. It was refreshing!
May 4, 2019
Funny but uneven. I like that Smith had the characters relationship become a journey but just when the relationship is developing, the book is over. I liked it but felt the author didn't want insta-love so we have longish-companionship??
August 6, 2019
Haywood Smith has a smooth, easy-to-read style with two well-drawn characters in this book. I know the feeling of being "out of warranty" myself and could commiserate with both main characters. A very enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews