Driving Lessons

Valentine #2

by Curtiss Ann Matlock

After her husband abandons her for another woman after twenty years of marriage and three children, fortysomething Charlene Darnell struggles to rebuild her life on an Oklahoma ranch, only to come face to face with a man from her past, who reappears in her life to offer her a loving lesson in self-discovery. Original.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Family, Contemporary

448 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 1, 2000

About the author

Curtiss Ann Matlock is the author of 40 novels. With over 7 million copies in print worldwide, her books have earned rave reviews, spots on the USA TODAY bestseller list and numerous awards.

Born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, into a family of avid readers, Curtiss Ann began reading before entering first grade and was writing vignettes while still in elementary school. Her writing career began in her early thirties, with publication of two small, warm-hearted articles about her life, for which she received a total of $100. She was so enthused at this success that she immediately started writing her first novel. She also enrolled in the professional writing program at the University of Oklahoma, studying under the distinguished writer and teacher Jack Bickham and bestselling mystery novelist, Carolyn Hart. In her second year of study, Curtiss Ann experienced the dream of selling the first novel she ever wrote, a romance, to Harlequin Books.

Told with a strong Southern voice, her insightful stories portray the uncommon valor of everyday people and the humor, heartbreak, and shining graces of small-town life. In 1999,Lost Highways was published by Mira Books. The book was nominated for a RITA Award in women’s fiction and began the warm-hearted and funny series about the lives of the beloved characters in fictional Valentine, Oklahoma. The sixth book of the Valentine series, Sweet Dreams at the Goodnight Motel, was a 2005 Oklahoma Book Award Finalist.

Chin Up, Honey, number seven in the series, was released May 2009.

Curtiss Ann currently lives with her family and assorted pets in rural south Alabama.

Reviews

[DarkAthena59 · Rating 2 out of 5]

En ces temps compliqués pour moi en plein déménagement, je e n'ai malheureusement pas si apprécier la lecture à sa juste valeur. C'est dommage, mais j'ai eu bien du mal à entrer dans l'histoire et à prendre plaisir à lire.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Loved it. The were moments I laughed so hard and moments I had to just stop and think about what I had read. It has a lot of heart.

[Patsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following her sister Rainey's story in Lost Highways, Charlene Darnell, a 40-something mother of three, struggles to put her life back together after her husband leaves her. A man who claims he's always loved Charlene reappears from her past and ignites a journey of self-discovery.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and it was just as good as the first. I really like Ms. Matlock's characters, she has a knack for making you feel like your right there with them in all their heartwarming and hilarious moments.
If you like romance, alittle heartache, humor and a variety of characters that definately will remind you of some of the loving, but odd family members you might have, then read this book. And while your at it, read more by this author, cause she's not done yet!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are mixed reviews on this book but I have to say I enjoyed it from cover to cover. It kept my interest and was hard to put down. The only thing I can say otherwise is that it was drawn out somewhat. The story was about real life and a family dealing with separated parents and a daughter dealing with the care of her elderly father. It really hits home. I would gladly recommend this book to all who want a light easy read and delving into a family with troubles, anxiety, angst but most of all, love.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlene's husband of 20 years leaves her with 3 children and a farm. Joey, the husband, is having a mid life crisis and doesn't know what he wants. Charlene has to learn how to drive again, get a job and continue on with her life. Mason McCoy, part owner of the feed mill, has been in love with her for about 10 years and he is willing to wait until she is ready to love again. Great story. Characters are well rounded.

[Lu]

husband leaves, wife takes to bed, kids go crazy

[Dawn]

Awesome !

[Melissa (So Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woman re-learning to drive, learning about life after her husband of 20 years left her. Adjustments for her kids, falling in love, well rounded story.

[Tressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Driving Lessons; it was sad and sweet. I enjoyed visiting Valentine, Charlene, Winston, and the others again.