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Non c'è niente che non va, almeno credo
È sabato mattina e Rosie e Jonathan sono a letto in un momento di intimità, quando il telefono inizia a squillare senza tregua. Sul display compare un numero sconosciuto.
Ancora non sanno che quella telefonata di per sé insignificante manderà all’aria tutta la loro vita. Più che quarantenni, Rosie e Jonathan sono gli unici fra i loro amici a non aver messo su famiglia e a vivere da eterni fidanzati in un quadrilocale che sembra arredato da due studenti. Impossibile immaginare che a pochi giorni da quel sabato Jonathan si inginocchierà davanti a Rosie chiedendole di sposarlo e seguirlo in California! La prima a storcere il naso di fronte all’improvvisa proposta è l’energica nonna Soapie: sognatrice, anticonformista, irriverente, Soapie ha sempre spronato Rosie a osare nella vita, a coltivare le sue passioni e seguire i suoi desideri. Per questo non capisce cosa spinga la nipote sull’altra sponda dell’ oceano, dietro a un ragazzotto con la passione per le tazzine di porcellana. Ma il destino è sempre pronto a stuzzicarci e quando Rosie sarà messa di fronte a un’altra scelta cruciale, dovrà per forza decidere quale partita giocare. Perché la grande regola della vita è che non è mai troppo tardi per correggere il tiro e la felicità è sempre più vicina di quanto immaginiamo. Basta ricordarselo.
Ancora non sanno che quella telefonata di per sé insignificante manderà all’aria tutta la loro vita. Più che quarantenni, Rosie e Jonathan sono gli unici fra i loro amici a non aver messo su famiglia e a vivere da eterni fidanzati in un quadrilocale che sembra arredato da due studenti. Impossibile immaginare che a pochi giorni da quel sabato Jonathan si inginocchierà davanti a Rosie chiedendole di sposarlo e seguirlo in California! La prima a storcere il naso di fronte all’improvvisa proposta è l’energica nonna Soapie: sognatrice, anticonformista, irriverente, Soapie ha sempre spronato Rosie a osare nella vita, a coltivare le sue passioni e seguire i suoi desideri. Per questo non capisce cosa spinga la nipote sull’altra sponda dell’ oceano, dietro a un ragazzotto con la passione per le tazzine di porcellana. Ma il destino è sempre pronto a stuzzicarci e quando Rosie sarà messa di fronte a un’altra scelta cruciale, dovrà per forza decidere quale partita giocare. Perché la grande regola della vita è che non è mai troppo tardi per correggere il tiro e la felicità è sempre più vicina di quanto immaginiamo. Basta ricordarselo.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
350 people are currently reading
3968 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Dawson
14 books1,541 followersI'm the author of eleven novels about love, crazy families, secrets, parenthood, and--yes, they have happy endings and some laughs as well as tears. (Just like life.) My newest, SNAP OUT OF IT, comes out on Jan. 3, 2023.
Also by me: The Magic of Found Objects, A Happy Catastrophe, Matchmaking for Beginners, The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness, The Opposite of Maybe, The Stuff That Never Happened, Kissing Games of the World and A Piece of Normal.
My first novel, What Comes After Crazy, was written under the name Sandi Kahn Shelton.
Also by me: The Magic of Found Objects, A Happy Catastrophe, Matchmaking for Beginners, The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness, The Opposite of Maybe, The Stuff That Never Happened, Kissing Games of the World and A Piece of Normal.
My first novel, What Comes After Crazy, was written under the name Sandi Kahn Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
September 15, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Advance apologies for the profanity laced .gifs. I have a case of the Mondays.
At the ripe old age of 44, Rosie really wasn’t spending her days dreaming about having a little bundle of joy.
No, Rosie had bigger fish to fry. Problems like dealing with her long-time boyfriend Jonathan’s teacup obsession and his multiple proposals (first, to get married after being a couple for 15 years and second, to move across the country in order for Jonathan to accept his dream job of managing a teacup museum) as well as the problem of her aging Grandmother and the random “caregiver” she’s moved in to her house. Rosie finally decides to take control of things, sends Jonathan packing to California on his own and moves in to Grandma “Soapie’s” house to find a reasonable solution to dealing with her failing health. She never would have guessed an unprotected moment onenight morning would lead to yet another little problem . . .
or that she would find herself falling for Soapie’s live-in helper, Tony.
This was a perfectly decent little book, but it didn’t do anything to rock my world. It's a story that’s been told a time or twelve before, so if you’re a fan of the “gets knocked up by a complete jackass, but then finds love in the arms of an adorablecab driver gardener” like in
you’ll probably like The Opposite of Maybe.
My problems? It was way too long. This could have easily been wrapped up in 300 pages rather than 400. Also? Jonathan was a total douchewad. I kept waiting for Rosie’s hormones to take over and give him the tongue-lashing he deserved. Something kinda like:
but it never happened.
Also? When dealing with the whole “time to have the baby” in an already clichéd romantic comedy, it’s common knowledge there has to be an over-the-top delivery scene. Rosie was kind of a hot mess, so I was hoping for some giggles when it came baby time . . .
but once again, it didn’t happen.
In addition, things got muddled up (unnecessarily) toward the end with the story of Rosie’s deceased mother. By that time I was counting down to the finish line and really didn’t need another plot twist.
The couple of redeeming factors that kept me interested were (1) (as I stated in one of my status updates) the description of Tony brought delicious imagery into my brain:
and (2) Soapie started off as a foul-mouthed firecracker of a granny
but unfortunately morphed into kind of a hateful old bag the more we got to know her.
At the end of it all, that left The Opposite of Maybe as just “meh” for me.
ARC receveived from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
Advance apologies for the profanity laced .gifs. I have a case of the Mondays.
At the ripe old age of 44, Rosie really wasn’t spending her days dreaming about having a little bundle of joy.
No, Rosie had bigger fish to fry. Problems like dealing with her long-time boyfriend Jonathan’s teacup obsession and his multiple proposals (first, to get married after being a couple for 15 years and second, to move across the country in order for Jonathan to accept his dream job of managing a teacup museum) as well as the problem of her aging Grandmother and the random “caregiver” she’s moved in to her house. Rosie finally decides to take control of things, sends Jonathan packing to California on his own and moves in to Grandma “Soapie’s” house to find a reasonable solution to dealing with her failing health. She never would have guessed an unprotected moment one
or that she would find herself falling for Soapie’s live-in helper, Tony.
This was a perfectly decent little book, but it didn’t do anything to rock my world. It's a story that’s been told a time or twelve before, so if you’re a fan of the “gets knocked up by a complete jackass, but then finds love in the arms of an adorable
you’ll probably like The Opposite of Maybe.
My problems? It was way too long. This could have easily been wrapped up in 300 pages rather than 400. Also? Jonathan was a total douchewad. I kept waiting for Rosie’s hormones to take over and give him the tongue-lashing he deserved. Something kinda like:
but it never happened.
Also? When dealing with the whole “time to have the baby” in an already clichéd romantic comedy, it’s common knowledge there has to be an over-the-top delivery scene. Rosie was kind of a hot mess, so I was hoping for some giggles when it came baby time . . .
but once again, it didn’t happen.
In addition, things got muddled up (unnecessarily) toward the end with the story of Rosie’s deceased mother. By that time I was counting down to the finish line and really didn’t need another plot twist.
The couple of redeeming factors that kept me interested were (1) (as I stated in one of my status updates) the description of Tony brought delicious imagery into my brain:
and (2) Soapie started off as a foul-mouthed firecracker of a granny
but unfortunately morphed into kind of a hateful old bag the more we got to know her.
At the end of it all, that left The Opposite of Maybe as just “meh” for me.
ARC receveived from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review
November 30, 2013
I was provided this book for free through Goodreads as a First Reads Giveaway. This is a good thing, because I wouldn’t have paid money for this novel.
Rosie is a 44 year old woman who has been in a relationship with quirky Jonathan for the past fourteen or so years. At a pivotal point in their relationship upon which Jonathan has been offered the job of his dreams across the country in San Diego, they part ways. Jonathan goes on to San Diego and Rosie moves in with the grandmother who raised her, Soapie. Weeks later, Rosie discovers she is pregnant.
The crux of the novel revolves around Rosie and the relationships she has with Soapie, Jonathan, and Soapie’s new caregiver, Tony. To say they are all a mess is an understatement. She has an antagonistic relationship with Soapie, who has raised Rosie since the death of Serena, Rosie’s mother, when Rosie was three years old. She has a pull-pull relationship with Jonathan, who will always put Jonathan first, teacups second, and Rosie third. Rosie develops a relationship with Tony that grows into something much more, but her relationship with Jonathan is always in the shadows, particularly once he comes around to accepting Rosie’s pregnancy (after MONTHS of radio silence from the bastard) and her desire to move forward with having the baby.
A reader would expect a novel covering topics like having a baby after 40, a new relationship mid-pregnancy, divorce, child custody to have more depth and show more character growth as the novel progresses. Dawson couldn’t deliver. Any changes the characters made through the novel were situational at best, not a result of the characters’ deep desire to change.
By the end of the novel, Jonathan was still pompous Jonathan, although it seemed he got a freebie out of parenthood. Soapie changed, although that was due to ill health and her growing acceptance of aging. Rosie was still spineless Rosie, a good person, but always floating in the direction the waves pushed her in, fearful to see what would happen if she dipped her oars into the water to steer her own direction. Tony, a good guy throughout the entire novel, stayed Tony. I did find it interesting that Rosie was able to call Tony on his awkward, obsessive behavior towards seeing his son but couldn’t manage to put a mirror up to her own face regarding her relationship with Jonathan.
Pros to this novel are that it was well-written. That is probably the saving grace, and why I was able to finish it.
Cons are the poor character development, predictable plot points, and the inevitable “happy” ending. I would not recommend this book to any type of reader. If your library was unfortunate enough to order this for their shelves, leave it there and for God’s sakes don’t spend your hard-earned money on it. There are many other well-deserving books out there. Go grab one of those instead.
Rosie is a 44 year old woman who has been in a relationship with quirky Jonathan for the past fourteen or so years. At a pivotal point in their relationship upon which Jonathan has been offered the job of his dreams across the country in San Diego, they part ways. Jonathan goes on to San Diego and Rosie moves in with the grandmother who raised her, Soapie. Weeks later, Rosie discovers she is pregnant.
The crux of the novel revolves around Rosie and the relationships she has with Soapie, Jonathan, and Soapie’s new caregiver, Tony. To say they are all a mess is an understatement. She has an antagonistic relationship with Soapie, who has raised Rosie since the death of Serena, Rosie’s mother, when Rosie was three years old. She has a pull-pull relationship with Jonathan, who will always put Jonathan first, teacups second, and Rosie third. Rosie develops a relationship with Tony that grows into something much more, but her relationship with Jonathan is always in the shadows, particularly once he comes around to accepting Rosie’s pregnancy (after MONTHS of radio silence from the bastard) and her desire to move forward with having the baby.
A reader would expect a novel covering topics like having a baby after 40, a new relationship mid-pregnancy, divorce, child custody to have more depth and show more character growth as the novel progresses. Dawson couldn’t deliver. Any changes the characters made through the novel were situational at best, not a result of the characters’ deep desire to change.
By the end of the novel, Jonathan was still pompous Jonathan, although it seemed he got a freebie out of parenthood. Soapie changed, although that was due to ill health and her growing acceptance of aging. Rosie was still spineless Rosie, a good person, but always floating in the direction the waves pushed her in, fearful to see what would happen if she dipped her oars into the water to steer her own direction. Tony, a good guy throughout the entire novel, stayed Tony. I did find it interesting that Rosie was able to call Tony on his awkward, obsessive behavior towards seeing his son but couldn’t manage to put a mirror up to her own face regarding her relationship with Jonathan.
Pros to this novel are that it was well-written. That is probably the saving grace, and why I was able to finish it.
Cons are the poor character development, predictable plot points, and the inevitable “happy” ending. I would not recommend this book to any type of reader. If your library was unfortunate enough to order this for their shelves, leave it there and for God’s sakes don’t spend your hard-earned money on it. There are many other well-deserving books out there. Go grab one of those instead.
August 18, 2018
Liked the book in the end. But seriously, I would've sent Jonathan and his tea cups packing after the first chapter. What a self absorbed bastard he is.
November 12, 2013
I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the first page. Rosie and Jonathan lead a very mundane life, no marriage, little money, but the author brings humour to their relationship and it makes easy reading.
When Jonathan decides to join a new acquaintance to open a museum dedicated to teacups in California, Rosie is not best pleased, and whilst considering her future, she goes off to make arrangements for her elderly grandmother, Soapie, to be looked after.
Soapie is magic. Fond of martinis, cigarettes, Scrabble and all sorts of habits not generally associated with old ladies, she won't be bullied into anything. To Rosie's horror she has taken into her home a young gardener, Tony, and now has a lover, George, with whom she loves to dance. Tony is passionate about pregnancy, which is very handy as Rosie has just discovered she is pregnant after 15 years of cohabitation with Jonathan, and one night without a condom.
With initial horror at Rosie's condition, Jonathan now decides he wants marriage and fatherhood, but having let teacups come between him and the planned marriage with Rosie, she hesitates and moves in with the menagerie of misfits.
Tony spends his time worrying about her pre- natal routine and they grow closer. Soapie tries to persuade her to go to Paris with her. Jonathan begs her to join him in California. Will she, won't she? It's a good title. I love this book.
When Jonathan decides to join a new acquaintance to open a museum dedicated to teacups in California, Rosie is not best pleased, and whilst considering her future, she goes off to make arrangements for her elderly grandmother, Soapie, to be looked after.
Soapie is magic. Fond of martinis, cigarettes, Scrabble and all sorts of habits not generally associated with old ladies, she won't be bullied into anything. To Rosie's horror she has taken into her home a young gardener, Tony, and now has a lover, George, with whom she loves to dance. Tony is passionate about pregnancy, which is very handy as Rosie has just discovered she is pregnant after 15 years of cohabitation with Jonathan, and one night without a condom.
With initial horror at Rosie's condition, Jonathan now decides he wants marriage and fatherhood, but having let teacups come between him and the planned marriage with Rosie, she hesitates and moves in with the menagerie of misfits.
Tony spends his time worrying about her pre- natal routine and they grow closer. Soapie tries to persuade her to go to Paris with her. Jonathan begs her to join him in California. Will she, won't she? It's a good title. I love this book.
November 12, 2022
I liked this book because it floats in reality. It’s a coming-of-age novel, but for adults and not teenagers. Lastly, it’s about the uncertainties of life, as we see when Rosie, at 44, has to end a long relationship and move in with her grandmother. What makes The Opposite of Maybe a lovely read is the varied emotions that the main characters go through and the ending that leaves you with a lot of hope.
December 25, 2014
An enjoyable story about Rosie, 44 year old woman in a dysfunctional relationship. After breaking things off, she moves in with her grandmother, Soapie, a brash, out spoken, quirky 88 year old who raised Rosie. Into the picture enters Tony, originally to be a caregiver for Soapie, but ends up tangled in the mess that is Rosie's life. As Rosie finds her way, the reader is drawn into this often humorous, sometimes sad roller coaster of emotions. A book I would recommend to readers of women's fiction.
November 7, 2013
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
4.5 stars
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was a joy to read. With a cast of unique, quirky and likeable characters and an honest, heartwarming and sometimes humorous plot this book had it all.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it was real. Rosie, the main character, is a 44 year old woman who doesn't have the perfect life and is nowhere close to figuring it out. It shows that we all have problems to solve in life regardless of how old we are. She had to deal with her commitment phobic boyfriend and separation after 15 years, an unplanned pregnancy, an ageing grandmother and feelings for another man. I enjoyed reading about how she handled each and every situation that was thrown at her.
Dawson uses quite a bit of humour (mostly sarcastic) which had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions and had my husband thinking that I was crazy. I could totally relate to a lot of the humour because it was what the characters were thinking versus speaking which we all do. Numerous times I found myself saying (to myself) that I would think the exact same things. There are many serious issues in this book but Dawson managed to add humour in a way that was perfect and blended flawlessly.
There is a huge cast of quirky characters within the pages of this book and I found myself liking almost all of them. Each of them were dealing with their own set of serious problems and it was interesting how they all connected to Rosie and her huge list of issues. I just have to add that I absolutely adored Tony!
This is really a story about Sophie's journey of self discovery and coming of age so to speak for a 44 year old woman. I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed and most importantly I got lost in the pages. A very solid 4.5 stars from me and a new author for me to explore!
4.5 stars
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was a joy to read. With a cast of unique, quirky and likeable characters and an honest, heartwarming and sometimes humorous plot this book had it all.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it was real. Rosie, the main character, is a 44 year old woman who doesn't have the perfect life and is nowhere close to figuring it out. It shows that we all have problems to solve in life regardless of how old we are. She had to deal with her commitment phobic boyfriend and separation after 15 years, an unplanned pregnancy, an ageing grandmother and feelings for another man. I enjoyed reading about how she handled each and every situation that was thrown at her.
Dawson uses quite a bit of humour (mostly sarcastic) which had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions and had my husband thinking that I was crazy. I could totally relate to a lot of the humour because it was what the characters were thinking versus speaking which we all do. Numerous times I found myself saying (to myself) that I would think the exact same things. There are many serious issues in this book but Dawson managed to add humour in a way that was perfect and blended flawlessly.
There is a huge cast of quirky characters within the pages of this book and I found myself liking almost all of them. Each of them were dealing with their own set of serious problems and it was interesting how they all connected to Rosie and her huge list of issues. I just have to add that I absolutely adored Tony!
This is really a story about Sophie's journey of self discovery and coming of age so to speak for a 44 year old woman. I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed and most importantly I got lost in the pages. A very solid 4.5 stars from me and a new author for me to explore!
July 15, 2021
2.5 because parts made me laugh. Sometimes annoying, but funny too. Maddie keeps you screaming Tony! Tony! Tony! But the protagonist is a very slow learner…
August 5, 2021
I loved the character of Soapie. She captured my 90 year old mom so well. This is light hearted and maybe predictable at times, but a good summer read =)
January 12, 2015
There's a comfort in reading a book with realistic characters, sort of like sipping tea from that special mug, or slipping into your favorite pair of jeans. Flash, drama, and excitement in a book is fine, but I also like that other type, where I read about people who I might meet perusing veggies at the farmer's market, or while waiting at a bus stop, or even when picking up the mail in my apartment building. Maddie Dawson created a whole slew of such characters -- not perfect, glamorous beings, but ones with their own quirks, both lovable and irritating. In The Opposite of Maybe they come to life, open a window into their world so we can glimpse them moving through their days, sometimes commiserating, sometimes cheering, and occasionally shouting a "look out!"
With Rosie and Jonathan, Dawson unveils a couple who fit each other like an old pair of socks; the type you think is just fine until you suddenly realize your toe is poking out and the heel is threadbare. Though the couple originally planned to move together from the east coast to the west, Jonathan heads off on his own (to start a tea cup museum), and Rosie stays home to sort out the world of her cantankerous grandmother, Soapie, who raised Rosie after her own mother's death. Soapie is flirting with memory loss and other issues of the elderly, but still insists on her evening cocktails. She also refuses Rosie's help in selecting appropriate home health help, instead relying on a young man, with no credentials, no recommendations, and barely a job. So, Rosie moves in to discover the true situation and sort things out. Instead, she discovers that at age 44, with her lover on the other side of the country, and a cast of characters she never anticipated being in her life, she is pregnant.
And the rest is a good story in the telling.
With Rosie and Jonathan, Dawson unveils a couple who fit each other like an old pair of socks; the type you think is just fine until you suddenly realize your toe is poking out and the heel is threadbare. Though the couple originally planned to move together from the east coast to the west, Jonathan heads off on his own (to start a tea cup museum), and Rosie stays home to sort out the world of her cantankerous grandmother, Soapie, who raised Rosie after her own mother's death. Soapie is flirting with memory loss and other issues of the elderly, but still insists on her evening cocktails. She also refuses Rosie's help in selecting appropriate home health help, instead relying on a young man, with no credentials, no recommendations, and barely a job. So, Rosie moves in to discover the true situation and sort things out. Instead, she discovers that at age 44, with her lover on the other side of the country, and a cast of characters she never anticipated being in her life, she is pregnant.
And the rest is a good story in the telling.
December 29, 2013
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I liked the front cover and synopsis and the book didn't disappoint.
Rosie the main character has lived with her partner Jonathan for fifteen years. At first they both seem to be happy with their lot but very early on you get the impression that Rosie in particular is looking for and in fact needs more. Life is just ambling along. Their mutual friends and family seem to know them better than they do themselves with Jonathan and to a lesser degree Rosie being the butt of their jokes. Things are often going to happen but.....
I hadn't previously read anything by Maddie Dawson but was impressed with the way she wove the characters in and out of the book. Building upon the emotions and characters with each chapter. Just when I thought I'd got it all sussed, Maddie added a bit more depth to the character and I had to re-think. This isn't a straight forward story but one of discovery for most of the characters and my personal opinion of them changed several times throughout the book.
If you want to laugh and cry and at times think deeply this is for you - It wasn't all predictable and lovely, it was just like real life - things don't always happen in the way or at the time we want them to.
I've found an author that I look forward to seeking out again - so a big thank you Maddie Dawson
Rosie the main character has lived with her partner Jonathan for fifteen years. At first they both seem to be happy with their lot but very early on you get the impression that Rosie in particular is looking for and in fact needs more. Life is just ambling along. Their mutual friends and family seem to know them better than they do themselves with Jonathan and to a lesser degree Rosie being the butt of their jokes. Things are often going to happen but.....
I hadn't previously read anything by Maddie Dawson but was impressed with the way she wove the characters in and out of the book. Building upon the emotions and characters with each chapter. Just when I thought I'd got it all sussed, Maddie added a bit more depth to the character and I had to re-think. This isn't a straight forward story but one of discovery for most of the characters and my personal opinion of them changed several times throughout the book.
If you want to laugh and cry and at times think deeply this is for you - It wasn't all predictable and lovely, it was just like real life - things don't always happen in the way or at the time we want them to.
I've found an author that I look forward to seeking out again - so a big thank you Maddie Dawson
September 1, 2023
I've read it 4 times in 3 years so far, making it my most re-read book ever.
It isn't a literature masterpiece, but I identify with the heroine.
I specify that 5 stars are for the ITALIAN VERSION because the translator truly ELEVATED it (I tried reading the original, and was disappointed by how cheap it felt) .
It as an easy reading I got as a gift. Because I refused to read the back cover's summary, I didn't create any expectations and could dive into it with a fresh mindset. Rosie's age and stage in life were ideal (not too young to seek teenage romance, neither too old to be an exhausted housewife who misses passion). The characters lingered with me afterwards compared to more superficial books of this genre.
It has themes such as maternity, family, friendship, but also old age, which I appreciated (recently I had re-watched Miyazaki's Howl Moving Castle, where again, the limitations and advantages of old age are explored.)
It passes the message that despite your ugly past or daily hassles, life is a beautiful wonder you have the right to enjoy, more than what you may think.
SPOILER ALERT
That, and... everytime Jonathan opened his mouth to make a "logical" argument devoid of emotion or support, I felt like slapping him in the face and shout "that's not real love!"
It isn't a literature masterpiece, but I identify with the heroine.
I specify that 5 stars are for the ITALIAN VERSION because the translator truly ELEVATED it (I tried reading the original, and was disappointed by how cheap it felt) .
It as an easy reading I got as a gift. Because I refused to read the back cover's summary, I didn't create any expectations and could dive into it with a fresh mindset. Rosie's age and stage in life were ideal (not too young to seek teenage romance, neither too old to be an exhausted housewife who misses passion). The characters lingered with me afterwards compared to more superficial books of this genre.
It has themes such as maternity, family, friendship, but also old age, which I appreciated (recently I had re-watched Miyazaki's Howl Moving Castle, where again, the limitations and advantages of old age are explored.)
It passes the message that despite your ugly past or daily hassles, life is a beautiful wonder you have the right to enjoy, more than what you may think.
SPOILER ALERT
That, and... everytime Jonathan opened his mouth to make a "logical" argument devoid of emotion or support, I felt like slapping him in the face and shout "that's not real love!"
August 25, 2016
I received this book to review from Netgalley. The opinions expressed below are solely my own.
This book was a lot better than I expected it to be. I thought chick lit...love triangle...we'll see. I really don't like love triangles. However, this book made it work. The writing was excellent. I laughed, I cried. I was annoyed with the way the main character thought at times, but still felt for her and what she was going through. Great story! 4.5✭
This book was a lot better than I expected it to be. I thought chick lit...love triangle...we'll see. I really don't like love triangles. However, this book made it work. The writing was excellent. I laughed, I cried. I was annoyed with the way the main character thought at times, but still felt for her and what she was going through. Great story! 4.5✭
June 8, 2018
This is not a literary masterpiece, but it is a delightful read full of interesting, slightly quirky, likeable and well developed characters! Rosie and Jonathan have lived together for 15 years and are comfortable with the way things are. Then Jonathan has the opportunity to open a museum in San Diego for his antique tea cup collection with another collector. He proposes that they get married and move out together. Wedding plans fall apart and Rosie stays behind in Connecticut to arrange appropriate care for failing Soapie, the grandmother who raised her, but fully intends to eventually join Jonathan in CA. Tony Cavaletti, a gardener whose marriage is on the rocks, has already been hired by Soapie and has moved in, but Rosie does not consider him an appropriate caregiver. Rosie moves in with Soapie and Tony ends up staying as well. He has a special spot in Soapie’s heart and soon in Rosie’s. I will not say more and ruin the story. It is full of humor, some heart break and love. Ah, the love! Favorite quote from Tony:
“We don’t get to pick who we love. The heart just goes on doing what it does best, falling in love and opening itself up, and it doesn’t give a ship about who we’re supposed to be with,It’t just happy to go on churning all this love.”
“We don’t get to pick who we love. The heart just goes on doing what it does best, falling in love and opening itself up, and it doesn’t give a ship about who we’re supposed to be with,It’t just happy to go on churning all this love.”
September 20, 2020
I believe I'll soon have read all of Maddie Dawson's books, because I just enjoy them so much. They're funny and wise and somehow manage to keep the suspense alive even when you know what's supposed to happen and are certain from past experience that she'll deliver. In this one she puts together two folks who seem very ill-matched on the face of it, and yet who can avoid rooting for them? Not me. Genius.
Read
September 23, 2019DNF..
boring. i could also kind of guess where it was going.
while it had some cute humor here & there, not enough for me to care about the characters.
boring. i could also kind of guess where it was going.
while it had some cute humor here & there, not enough for me to care about the characters.
February 11, 2020
Un libro ben scritto e molto scorrevole .
La storia è semplice ma accomuna gran parte di noi donne. Mi è piaciuto .
La forza della protagonista , il rendersi conto del miracolo della vita che ha tra le mani e della gioia di essere mamme a qualsiasi età . È stato bello .
La storia è semplice ma accomuna gran parte di noi donne. Mi è piaciuto .
La forza della protagonista , il rendersi conto del miracolo della vita che ha tra le mani e della gioia di essere mamme a qualsiasi età . È stato bello .
April 9, 2014
After her mother died, Rosie grew up with her grandmother, Soapie. The present environment for Soapie is a tentative one. She falls, she does not take her medication and she refuses to have a trained person come to help her. That is one of the worries in Rosie’s life.
Jonathan, an award winning potter has changed the focus of his life. Because of critical comments about his work, he has become someone else. He now collects tea cups, these are tea cups which are not to be touched by human hands.
Jonathan has been offered an opportunity in California. Because of the new chance in a new place, Jonathan proposes marriage. Then as Rosie is busily planning a wedding, making arrangements and trying to figure solutions for her Grandmother, Jonathan calls off the wedding. He has to fly out of town to look at tea cups.
Rosie eventually has a very quiet meltdown. As they are to be driving out of town to head to California, she says no and is dropped off at her Grandmother’s house.
Rosie discovers she is pregnant. During the pregnancy she develops a friendship with Tony, the young man who lives with Soapie as a sort of friend, chef and helper.
The characters take steps forward and backward within the plot. Just as in life, things never go in a straight line, and we get detours with these characters.
This is a very well written book. Ms Dawson is a talented writer who draws the reader into her story. The reader wants the best for everyone.
Rosie is a frustrating character to me. She has allowed herself to become a secondary character in her own life. Both Soapie and Jonathan have basically manipulated her into becoming what they want.
This is definitely a book which generates thought. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a book that shows growth in an adult. This is a woman who starts a search and finally finds herself.
I was awarded this book in a drawing with no expectations except that I give an honest review. This opinion is my own.
Disclaimer: This book was a prize in a contest. All that was asked is that I give an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely mine.
May 16, 2014
In their circle of friends, Jonathan and Rosie have become the quirky couple that has stayed together for fifteen years without changing their lifestyle. Rosie teaches, while Jonathan collects antiques, like the teacups that are his latest obsession.
So when Jonathan joins forces with a man named Andres, who is planning to start up a museum in San Diego, CA, Jonathan doesn't think twice about signing on.
But Rosie is not so eager to leave Connecticut, most especially since her eighty-eight-year-old grandmother, Sophie (Soapie), will be left behind.
But the two of them plan to marry and leave together, after Rosie arranges for a caregiver.
Despite the best laid plans, something happens to Rosie in the midst of moving things, and she sends Jonathan on his way, while she stays behind with Soapie. They have cancelled the wedding and she decides she needs a break from her life with Jonathan.
After all, Soapie has been her constant in life, after her mother Serena died.
Then Rose, who is forty-four, discovers that she is pregnant, and a whole host of issues present themselves, not to mention the hormones.
And then there is the little matter of her growing friendship with Tony, the "care provider" and friend, who is not at all queasy about pregnancy or kids. Something Jonathan has failed at again, when she tells him the news.
The Opposite of Maybe: A Novel was a quick read that engaged me from the beginning. There were lots of emotional, as well as funny moments. I enjoyed the relationship between Rosie and Tony, even if I didn't know how that was all going to work out. Jonathan was annoying in many ways, and as some described him, "limited."
He reminded me of someone totally tuned into his own needs, socially inept, and obsessive to the nth degree. I was not rooting for Rosie and Jonathan to reunite.
But there were surprises along the way, and even while I had my private hopes, I wasn't quite sure how it would all turn out. In the end, I was pleased. 5 stars.
So when Jonathan joins forces with a man named Andres, who is planning to start up a museum in San Diego, CA, Jonathan doesn't think twice about signing on.
But Rosie is not so eager to leave Connecticut, most especially since her eighty-eight-year-old grandmother, Sophie (Soapie), will be left behind.
But the two of them plan to marry and leave together, after Rosie arranges for a caregiver.
Despite the best laid plans, something happens to Rosie in the midst of moving things, and she sends Jonathan on his way, while she stays behind with Soapie. They have cancelled the wedding and she decides she needs a break from her life with Jonathan.
After all, Soapie has been her constant in life, after her mother Serena died.
Then Rose, who is forty-four, discovers that she is pregnant, and a whole host of issues present themselves, not to mention the hormones.
And then there is the little matter of her growing friendship with Tony, the "care provider" and friend, who is not at all queasy about pregnancy or kids. Something Jonathan has failed at again, when she tells him the news.
The Opposite of Maybe: A Novel was a quick read that engaged me from the beginning. There were lots of emotional, as well as funny moments. I enjoyed the relationship between Rosie and Tony, even if I didn't know how that was all going to work out. Jonathan was annoying in many ways, and as some described him, "limited."
He reminded me of someone totally tuned into his own needs, socially inept, and obsessive to the nth degree. I was not rooting for Rosie and Jonathan to reunite.
But there were surprises along the way, and even while I had my private hopes, I wasn't quite sure how it would all turn out. In the end, I was pleased. 5 stars.
August 11, 2016
original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This was a story of what happens when certain life events occur on an life plan that has already been mapped out. What results is emotional, heartwarming and comedic mixed in with a wonderfully eclectic cast of characters.
I must admit that I was not a fan of Jonathan from the get go however I do believe this may have been by design. Putting him aside there were plenty of characters to invest in and enjoy. From the eccentric Soapie who cracked me up, the supportive George and the cute Milo. Most of all there was Rosie and Tony. I felt that I could identify with Rosie from beginning despite the fact that I am (ahhum) much younger than her character. Her journey had me invested from the first to the last page.
I must dedicated a paragraph alone to Tony. I do not think anyone reading this book could not help falling in live with him. From his misuse of words to the his outlook on life he was the perfect man in my opinion. In fact if you were to measure him up to reality I do not think there would be many men who could come close to measuring up. His love for his son and his outlook on the wonders of pregnancy were some of the highlights of the story. I could not get enough of him!
At the end of the day this is a story about taking new directions, embracing the unexpected and realizing that life has more planned for you than you thought. Along the way there is enough drama, laughter and emotional roadblocks to keep you entertained.
I would definitely recommend this book. Dawson was an author who was unfamiliar to me however I will be sure to check out her other works
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This was a story of what happens when certain life events occur on an life plan that has already been mapped out. What results is emotional, heartwarming and comedic mixed in with a wonderfully eclectic cast of characters.
I must admit that I was not a fan of Jonathan from the get go however I do believe this may have been by design. Putting him aside there were plenty of characters to invest in and enjoy. From the eccentric Soapie who cracked me up, the supportive George and the cute Milo. Most of all there was Rosie and Tony. I felt that I could identify with Rosie from beginning despite the fact that I am (ahhum) much younger than her character. Her journey had me invested from the first to the last page.
I must dedicated a paragraph alone to Tony. I do not think anyone reading this book could not help falling in live with him. From his misuse of words to the his outlook on life he was the perfect man in my opinion. In fact if you were to measure him up to reality I do not think there would be many men who could come close to measuring up. His love for his son and his outlook on the wonders of pregnancy were some of the highlights of the story. I could not get enough of him!
At the end of the day this is a story about taking new directions, embracing the unexpected and realizing that life has more planned for you than you thought. Along the way there is enough drama, laughter and emotional roadblocks to keep you entertained.
I would definitely recommend this book. Dawson was an author who was unfamiliar to me however I will be sure to check out her other works
August 8, 2014
The Opposite of Maybe by Maddie Dawson is a chick-lit novel that explores one woman’s journey of self-discovery through trial, error, hope, loss and love.
Dawson introduces us to Rosie a middle-aged woman who loves her job-teaching children and her life with her live in lover Jonathan. They have been together as they watched their friends get married and begin families. Theirs is a comfortable life until things get complicated. Jonathan has been offered an opportunity clear across the country and suddenly he is proposing. Rosie is dealing with her sassy, opinionated grandmother and needs to get her settled before moving. Suddenly unsure she is about to face her biggest challenge. The tale that unfolds takes us into Grandmother Sophie’s house and introduces a wonderful cast of characters that will warm your heart.
Rosie was a likable and flawed character. As Dawson peels back her layers and allows Rosie to fumble, and grow she soon discovers that the key to happiness might just be complicated and messy. I loathed Jonathan, and adored Sophie. I plan to be wild and crazy like her when I am eighty-eight. Tony has this incredibly huge heart, and I wanted to embrace him. Secondary characters added a community feel and gave us a greater understanding of the central characters.
Warm, touching, hilarious and heart-warming The Opposite of Maybe was a novel that I enjoyed reading. Dawson beautifully balanced my emotions and I found myself caught up in the characters lives.
Copy received from Blogging for Books in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Dawson introduces us to Rosie a middle-aged woman who loves her job-teaching children and her life with her live in lover Jonathan. They have been together as they watched their friends get married and begin families. Theirs is a comfortable life until things get complicated. Jonathan has been offered an opportunity clear across the country and suddenly he is proposing. Rosie is dealing with her sassy, opinionated grandmother and needs to get her settled before moving. Suddenly unsure she is about to face her biggest challenge. The tale that unfolds takes us into Grandmother Sophie’s house and introduces a wonderful cast of characters that will warm your heart.
Rosie was a likable and flawed character. As Dawson peels back her layers and allows Rosie to fumble, and grow she soon discovers that the key to happiness might just be complicated and messy. I loathed Jonathan, and adored Sophie. I plan to be wild and crazy like her when I am eighty-eight. Tony has this incredibly huge heart, and I wanted to embrace him. Secondary characters added a community feel and gave us a greater understanding of the central characters.
Warm, touching, hilarious and heart-warming The Opposite of Maybe was a novel that I enjoyed reading. Dawson beautifully balanced my emotions and I found myself caught up in the characters lives.
Copy received from Blogging for Books in exchange for unbiased review.This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
April 4, 2014
The Opposite of Maybe by Maddie Dawson is a unique novel that has the power to lure you just by the charm of its cover and title. It was not necessary for me to check out what this book was all about. I like the title, and the cover was just simply too appealing to ignore it. But once I discover what the story is all about, and Sophie's journey of self-discovery and coming of age, I knew I was going to enjoy it. The Opposite of Maybe is a story of the hard choices one has to make at some point or the other in this journey of life.
But it is no ordinary story as you find Rosie, who is forty-four years old, in a long-running relationship with Jonathan. When Jonathan is offered a dream job in San Diego, Rosie moves in with her grandmother Soapie again. But she has to deal with Tony as well whom her grandmother hires to be her care-giver. Rosie also later realizes that she is pregnant.
The story tackles several relationships – between Rosie and Jonathan, Rosie and Soapie, and Rosie and Tony. These relationships are all at different levels and they all have to be dealt differently. Her relationship with her grandmother Soapie is distinctly different from the other two as Soapie is the one who raised her since the death of her mother Serena, when she was just three years old. As for her relationships with Jonathan and Tony, it could be described as situational but as you read through the story, you will discover that it is much more than that.
There can only be two reactions to this novel – one of disdain for the characters and one of great admiration. And that depends on how deep you go into the story, or how far you can relate with the characters.
But it is no ordinary story as you find Rosie, who is forty-four years old, in a long-running relationship with Jonathan. When Jonathan is offered a dream job in San Diego, Rosie moves in with her grandmother Soapie again. But she has to deal with Tony as well whom her grandmother hires to be her care-giver. Rosie also later realizes that she is pregnant.
The story tackles several relationships – between Rosie and Jonathan, Rosie and Soapie, and Rosie and Tony. These relationships are all at different levels and they all have to be dealt differently. Her relationship with her grandmother Soapie is distinctly different from the other two as Soapie is the one who raised her since the death of her mother Serena, when she was just three years old. As for her relationships with Jonathan and Tony, it could be described as situational but as you read through the story, you will discover that it is much more than that.
There can only be two reactions to this novel – one of disdain for the characters and one of great admiration. And that depends on how deep you go into the story, or how far you can relate with the characters.
May 22, 2014
The Opposite of Maybe
By
Maddie Dawson
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Rosie and Jonathan have been together for 15 years. All of their besties are married with children...but...it's not the life they said they wanted.
My thoughts after reading this book...
I loved this book but it is filled with quirky characters and I love quirky characters! From Jonathan and his teapot collection to Rosie wanting cupcakes and red boots at her wedding...yes...Jonathan finally proposes! But just as abruptly as he proposes he cancels their wedding in order to hop on a plane and rescue more teacups. Just as abruptly...Rosie discovers that she is pregnant...at 44...and perhaps not so enamored with Jonathan as she once was. So...she goes to live with the grandmother who raised her...Soapie...the Dustcloth Diva! Yes...another quirky character. There she meets Tony...Soapie's young housemate...it's all too funny! Tony has pregnancy radar and he tells Roxie that she is most likely pregnant. As they care for Soapie...a sweet but obvious attraction begins.
What I loved about this book...
This book is just so sweet and funny. Tony's misuse of words, his son Milo, his ex wife with a woman for her partner, Soapie's outlook on life...all of this sort of mingling together. Soapie's boyfriend George...staying over and dancing with Soapie every night...it's just a lively lovely mix of conversation and changing lifestyles and loss and growth and awakenings. I loved every bit of it!
Even Jonathan...his thinking was so...hmmm...skewed? Skewed but funny...
Final thoughts...
This book was delightful! It's one of those perfectly lovely surprises that are so much fun to read!
By
Maddie Dawson
My " in a nutshell" summary...
Rosie and Jonathan have been together for 15 years. All of their besties are married with children...but...it's not the life they said they wanted.
My thoughts after reading this book...
I loved this book but it is filled with quirky characters and I love quirky characters! From Jonathan and his teapot collection to Rosie wanting cupcakes and red boots at her wedding...yes...Jonathan finally proposes! But just as abruptly as he proposes he cancels their wedding in order to hop on a plane and rescue more teacups. Just as abruptly...Rosie discovers that she is pregnant...at 44...and perhaps not so enamored with Jonathan as she once was. So...she goes to live with the grandmother who raised her...Soapie...the Dustcloth Diva! Yes...another quirky character. There she meets Tony...Soapie's young housemate...it's all too funny! Tony has pregnancy radar and he tells Roxie that she is most likely pregnant. As they care for Soapie...a sweet but obvious attraction begins.
What I loved about this book...
This book is just so sweet and funny. Tony's misuse of words, his son Milo, his ex wife with a woman for her partner, Soapie's outlook on life...all of this sort of mingling together. Soapie's boyfriend George...staying over and dancing with Soapie every night...it's just a lively lovely mix of conversation and changing lifestyles and loss and growth and awakenings. I loved every bit of it!
Even Jonathan...his thinking was so...hmmm...skewed? Skewed but funny...
Final thoughts...
This book was delightful! It's one of those perfectly lovely surprises that are so much fun to read!
September 23, 2015
Il titolo in lingua originale “The opposite of maybe” rende bene la condizione a cui aspira Rosie, la protagonista di questo libro. Quarantaquattrenne, fidanzata da quindici anni con lo stesso uomo, senza figli, avrebbe bisogno di qualcosa di più saldo e meno fuggevole dalla vita. Gli amici gli additano come gli eterni fidanzati che non vogliono prendersi responsabilità e lei stessa si accorge che il suo fidanzato è più preso dalla sua preziosissima collezione di tazze da tè che da lei. Contemporaneamente la nonna Soapie che l’ha cresciuta, inizia a perdere i primi colpi e ha bisogno di qualcuno che si occupi di lei costantemente. Cosa succede se Rosie viene messa di fronte a una grande scelta?
Carino, ma niente di più. Sicuramente la pecca maggiore è la prolissità; un centinaio di pagine in meno non avrebbe guastato. Inoltre vengono presi in esame temi importanti come la vecchiaia, la maternità in tarda età, la paura delle responsabilità e le famiglie allargate. Tutte cose interessantissime, ma se vengono solo accennate, non è un po’ uno spreco? Tutte quelle pagine in cui non succede nulla e poi improvvisamente alla fine, le ultime 150 pagine così piene di emozioni e di cose su cui riflettere da lasciarti quasi frastornato.
Sicuramente consiglierei più facilmente il primo libro di questa autrice, questo è leggibile e godibile ma ha i suoi grossi limiti.
Carino, ma niente di più. Sicuramente la pecca maggiore è la prolissità; un centinaio di pagine in meno non avrebbe guastato. Inoltre vengono presi in esame temi importanti come la vecchiaia, la maternità in tarda età, la paura delle responsabilità e le famiglie allargate. Tutte cose interessantissime, ma se vengono solo accennate, non è un po’ uno spreco? Tutte quelle pagine in cui non succede nulla e poi improvvisamente alla fine, le ultime 150 pagine così piene di emozioni e di cose su cui riflettere da lasciarti quasi frastornato.
Sicuramente consiglierei più facilmente il primo libro di questa autrice, questo è leggibile e godibile ma ha i suoi grossi limiti.
November 19, 2013
Wow! This was an amazing story that I couldn't put down. It was a rollercoaster of love--ups and downs. I was hooked from the first page and didn't want the story to end. Rosie is in a long term relationship without marriage--finds herself separating from her boyfriend--and ends up pregnant at 44 years old. Meanwhile her grandma, who raised her, is getting old and unable to take care of herself. Soapie, the grandma, moves in a younger man named Tony to help care for her. Rosie ends up moving in to Soapie's when she separates from her long time boyfriend Jonathan. Moving through the ins and outs of daily life Rosie is shocked to discover that she and Tony are falling in love. But Jonathan wants her back...and wants to raise their family together. What should Rosie do; follow her heart or her head?
The character development was great. I was emotionally attached to the characters in this book. I laughed with them, I cried with them. This is a must read novel! While I enjoyed the ending I feel like I want more. I'd love more of the story, of the future of Rosie, Jonathan, Tony and the baby.
I will definitely be checking out more books from Maddie Dawson. I really enjoyed her writing style, the words and plot flowed very nicely.
More reviews at booksnlattes.wordpress.com
The character development was great. I was emotionally attached to the characters in this book. I laughed with them, I cried with them. This is a must read novel! While I enjoyed the ending I feel like I want more. I'd love more of the story, of the future of Rosie, Jonathan, Tony and the baby.
I will definitely be checking out more books from Maddie Dawson. I really enjoyed her writing style, the words and plot flowed very nicely.
More reviews at booksnlattes.wordpress.com
December 3, 2016
I'm trying to imagine the state of mind I must have been in a couple of years ago when I added to my reading list the books I've been reading lately. Many of them have been chick lit or something close to it: the two Rosie books (The Rosie Project & The Rosie Effect), the Secrets of Midwives, The Traitor's Wife, The Photographer's Wife, Mrs. Houdini, etc. This is another Rosie book--different author, different Rosie. This Rosie is a 44-year-old woman who's been in a relationship with a man for 15 years while their friends have gotten married, had kids, moved to the suburbs, bought minivans, etc. Suddenly she finds herself pregnant & living with her 88-year-old crotchety grandmother, who raised her after her mother died when she was 3, and whose health is failing. Does she keep the baby or not? Does she go with her clueless teacup-collecting partner (whose best feature is that he mostly tries hard not to say the wrong thing that he's tempted to say) when he moves across the country to start a teacup museum or does she fall for the sensitive young family-loving man who's moved into her grandmother's house to help care for her? The surprises don't come as much of a surprise, but the light tone carries a likable wit and charm that carries the story along despite its cliches.
July 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book. The book followed Rosie, the main character, as she dealt with a slew of life-changing events. At times it was frustrating to see her just floating along and making big decisions almost in a cloud, or not making decisions and going along with what other people want or expect her to do. I felt that Tony did that as well - going along with what his ex-wife wanted even when it involved his son who he obviously loved. Rosie did call him out on this, not seeming to realize she often did the same thing.
Most of the characters were likeable and believable, including Rosie. I cared about what happened to her and her baby and was rooting for her to make the right decision. Soapie was one of the characters that I didn't care for. She seemed to abrasive and too dismissive of Rosie, and it sounded like that was how she had been to her all along, quick to tell her she didn't want to be saddled with raising her.
I thought this was a well written book that I wanted to keep reading because I had to find out what happened.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Most of the characters were likeable and believable, including Rosie. I cared about what happened to her and her baby and was rooting for her to make the right decision. Soapie was one of the characters that I didn't care for. She seemed to abrasive and too dismissive of Rosie, and it sounded like that was how she had been to her all along, quick to tell her she didn't want to be saddled with raising her.
I thought this was a well written book that I wanted to keep reading because I had to find out what happened.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 30, 2014
So what do I think? AWESOME:)
Funny, romantic, enjoyable & everything you want.
I loved that the characters were so close to reality. The scenarios are sometimes expected but sometimes they are a total shock. Parenting issues are explained in a very impressive way.
Loved Milo. An adorable little thing he is.
Rosie is a confused, compromising and easily convinced person but I think that is what makes this story goes on.
I got irritated with Jonathan and that was his purpose in the story. right? A lot of men are becoming Jonathan and that seriously needs to be stopped. You can't make your cell phone and laptop your family. They can give you satisfaction for a short time but you will regret the moments you lost with your loved ones in the end.
Soapie/Sophie is pitiable. I'll define her in this single word. I don't know why but I felt sorry for her in the whole story than to be inspired by her.
And Tony. Cute, sweet, loving. Everything what you need in a partner, He and Rosie complete each other.
Nice surprising ending. I really scrolled down the page to read more and it took me 10 seconds to realize that it has ended.
Funny, romantic, enjoyable & everything you want.
I loved that the characters were so close to reality. The scenarios are sometimes expected but sometimes they are a total shock. Parenting issues are explained in a very impressive way.
Loved Milo. An adorable little thing he is.
Rosie is a confused, compromising and easily convinced person but I think that is what makes this story goes on.
I got irritated with Jonathan and that was his purpose in the story. right? A lot of men are becoming Jonathan and that seriously needs to be stopped. You can't make your cell phone and laptop your family. They can give you satisfaction for a short time but you will regret the moments you lost with your loved ones in the end.
Soapie/Sophie is pitiable. I'll define her in this single word. I don't know why but I felt sorry for her in the whole story than to be inspired by her.
And Tony. Cute, sweet, loving. Everything what you need in a partner, He and Rosie complete each other.
Nice surprising ending. I really scrolled down the page to read more and it took me 10 seconds to realize that it has ended.
November 4, 2013
*I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, which I freely give*
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's refreshing to read a novel in which the main character is female, over the age of forty and isn't harping on menopause, empty nest syndrome or a disinterested spouse. Rosie doesn't have life all figured out yet, and that's okay. Her uncertainty is a major part of this book's appeal. She is forty-four years old and proves that you are never too old to star in your own coming of age story. The Opposite of Maybe is a quirky and touching read with moments of intense emotion delivered in a manner that leaves a distinct impression. Rosie's life is messy, complicated and full of hard choices. Kind of like yours and mine. It earns a solid four out of five stars from me.
For more reviews check out FaithSimone.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's refreshing to read a novel in which the main character is female, over the age of forty and isn't harping on menopause, empty nest syndrome or a disinterested spouse. Rosie doesn't have life all figured out yet, and that's okay. Her uncertainty is a major part of this book's appeal. She is forty-four years old and proves that you are never too old to star in your own coming of age story. The Opposite of Maybe is a quirky and touching read with moments of intense emotion delivered in a manner that leaves a distinct impression. Rosie's life is messy, complicated and full of hard choices. Kind of like yours and mine. It earns a solid four out of five stars from me.
For more reviews check out FaithSimone.com
November 19, 2014
*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was pretty excited to read this one as the blurb sounded great and promised a fantastic an interesting story, however I am disappointed. The story is too slow paced for my taste (sometimes I felt like nothing was really happening) and was dragging. Also, despite the fact I am fascinated with motherhood and root for women who decide to go on that journey even in their later years, I couldn't connect with the MC or any of the characters involved. Sadly, it didn't work for me and while I can't say I would be avoiding Ms Dawson's other books or future works, I don't think I will rush into reading them. Need some time to digest all this disappointment. I really wanted to like this book..but...C'est la vie!
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