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Multiple Listings
What would you do if your ex-con father suddenly came to visit…indefinitely? Family drama ensues when Nicki’s dad unexpectedly moves in with her, her son, and her boyfriend in this comedic novel from successful TV writer Tracy McMillan.
Nicki Daniels owns a home appraisal business, but real estate is her true passion: she lives for open houses and really knows her way around a floor plan. And especially at this juncture of her life, real estate has come to signify the stability she is trying to build with her teenage son, Cody, and her much younger boyfriend, Jake. She’s finally ready to find the perfect house for the three of them and work on a new business venture with Jake that she thinks will jump-start their lives together.
Meanwhile, Ronnie, a longtime inmate at a nearby correctional facility, is getting some good news for once—there was a mistake in his sentencing, and he’s eligible to get out of prison. After a sixty-day stay in a halfway house, Ronnie decides his best option to avoid homelessness is to move in with his estranged daughter: Nicki. Even though they haven’t spoken in years, her door is always open to him, right?
Inspired by the author’s life and imbued with wit and profound insight into relationships, Multiple Listings speaks poignantly—and often hilariously—about the ties that bind families of all types together.
Nicki Daniels owns a home appraisal business, but real estate is her true passion: she lives for open houses and really knows her way around a floor plan. And especially at this juncture of her life, real estate has come to signify the stability she is trying to build with her teenage son, Cody, and her much younger boyfriend, Jake. She’s finally ready to find the perfect house for the three of them and work on a new business venture with Jake that she thinks will jump-start their lives together.
Meanwhile, Ronnie, a longtime inmate at a nearby correctional facility, is getting some good news for once—there was a mistake in his sentencing, and he’s eligible to get out of prison. After a sixty-day stay in a halfway house, Ronnie decides his best option to avoid homelessness is to move in with his estranged daughter: Nicki. Even though they haven’t spoken in years, her door is always open to him, right?
Inspired by the author’s life and imbued with wit and profound insight into relationships, Multiple Listings speaks poignantly—and often hilariously—about the ties that bind families of all types together.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
12 people are currently reading
1237 people want to read
About the author
Tracy McMillan
7 books137 followersTracy McMillan is a television writer and memoirist, most recently on the Emmy Award–winning AMC series Mad Men. Previously, she wrote on Showtime’s United States of Tara, ABC’s Life on Mars, and NBC’s Journeyman. She’s also developing an as-yet-untitled series with Dreamworks Television. I Love You and I’m Leaving You Anyway is Tracy’s first book.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Tracy spent years in the foster care system. After graduating from the University of Utah with a broadcast-journalism degree, she spent more than a decade writing and producing television news for outlets such as NBC Nightly News, KNBC-TV, and Access Hollywood. Tracy’s articles and essays have appeared in a number of print publications and websites. She is a regular performer at Sit-n-Spin on the Comedy Central stage in Los Angeles.
She is the mother of a 13 year old boy, and lives in Los Angeles.
Her not-so-secret ambition is to have a talk show.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Tracy spent years in the foster care system. After graduating from the University of Utah with a broadcast-journalism degree, she spent more than a decade writing and producing television news for outlets such as NBC Nightly News, KNBC-TV, and Access Hollywood. Tracy’s articles and essays have appeared in a number of print publications and websites. She is a regular performer at Sit-n-Spin on the Comedy Central stage in Los Angeles.
She is the mother of a 13 year old boy, and lives in Los Angeles.
Her not-so-secret ambition is to have a talk show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 12, 2016
Let me start by saying that I love reading books that make me feel...normal. So often we feel like our lives are crazy, like we must be on the edge of losing it, and that others are certainly looking at us wondering what our problem is. Sure, it's usually mostly in our heads, but there's a certain comfort in escaping into a book that tells of a family way more complicated than your own.
Tracy McMillan's newest novel, 'Multiple Listings,' is the story of Nicki Daniels. Nicki is a real estate appraiser with a great boyfriend, a restaurant in the works, a new house that's almost purchased, a best friend who never lets her miss a weekly pedicure date, and a son whom she loves dearly. Things are seemingly perfect as far as having it together goes. But when her ex-con father shows up at her door unannounced and wanting to live with her, she soon finds everything she thought she knew turned upside down.
The thing I liked most about this book was the perspective changes. Each chapter is told either from the perspective of Nicki or her father, two polar opposites when it comes to their outlooks on life. But unlike many novels that use this approach, there was rarely any retelling of the story and it all flowed well and easy. In fact, I almost think it made this book go by even faster than most things I read.
Another high point in this book was the dialogue which I found to be particularly well done. While I feel like most things I've read recently have been either overly descriptive or have opted for a less-dialogue means of storytelling, the dialogue between characters really was what drove this story to be even better. It provided the feel that you were sitting right there at the dinner table along with them, participating in discussions that with each moment provided more and more insight into who these characters are.
What did I think?: This is one of the easiest, fun reads I've had in a long time and if you're planning out your beach reads for those warm weather days, I can't recommend 'Multiple Listings' enough. My one complaint would be that even though the main character worked in real estate and was in the process of purchasing a house, I'm not sure I really understand how the title came to be. Nonetheless, this certainly doesn't take away from the enjoyability of the story.
Who should read it?: I think this is going to be a big hit among those chick-lit lovers. It's just begging to be made into a blockbuster, and you bet that as soon as it is I will be among the first to get in line!
*I was provided with a copy of this book in order to conduct this honest review.
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Tracy McMillan's newest novel, 'Multiple Listings,' is the story of Nicki Daniels. Nicki is a real estate appraiser with a great boyfriend, a restaurant in the works, a new house that's almost purchased, a best friend who never lets her miss a weekly pedicure date, and a son whom she loves dearly. Things are seemingly perfect as far as having it together goes. But when her ex-con father shows up at her door unannounced and wanting to live with her, she soon finds everything she thought she knew turned upside down.
The thing I liked most about this book was the perspective changes. Each chapter is told either from the perspective of Nicki or her father, two polar opposites when it comes to their outlooks on life. But unlike many novels that use this approach, there was rarely any retelling of the story and it all flowed well and easy. In fact, I almost think it made this book go by even faster than most things I read.
Another high point in this book was the dialogue which I found to be particularly well done. While I feel like most things I've read recently have been either overly descriptive or have opted for a less-dialogue means of storytelling, the dialogue between characters really was what drove this story to be even better. It provided the feel that you were sitting right there at the dinner table along with them, participating in discussions that with each moment provided more and more insight into who these characters are.
What did I think?: This is one of the easiest, fun reads I've had in a long time and if you're planning out your beach reads for those warm weather days, I can't recommend 'Multiple Listings' enough. My one complaint would be that even though the main character worked in real estate and was in the process of purchasing a house, I'm not sure I really understand how the title came to be. Nonetheless, this certainly doesn't take away from the enjoyability of the story.
Who should read it?: I think this is going to be a big hit among those chick-lit lovers. It's just begging to be made into a blockbuster, and you bet that as soon as it is I will be among the first to get in line!
*I was provided with a copy of this book in order to conduct this honest review.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
July 17, 2021
I have multiple nice comments about MULTIPLE LISTINGS, an uplifting and witty rom-com/family drama about a single mom whose ex-con father unexpectantly moves in with her, after being released from a 17-year stint in prison.
This is a book about love, regrets, forgiveness. and second chances, cast with quirky and unpredictable characters.
What made this book different than other books in its genre was the author's consistent tempo and endearing sense of humor. Never once did the book drag.
And never once did I stop chuckling when listening to this ultra-compelling story of a family that put the word FUN in the word dysFUNctional.
I listened to the audiobook and narrators Pete Simonelli and Madeleine Maby did an outstanding job with the narration.
This book was written in 2016 and it was a book that somehow escaped my radar. This was my first Tracy McMillan book and I will be looking forward to reading more titles by this author.
This is a book about love, regrets, forgiveness. and second chances, cast with quirky and unpredictable characters.
What made this book different than other books in its genre was the author's consistent tempo and endearing sense of humor. Never once did the book drag.
And never once did I stop chuckling when listening to this ultra-compelling story of a family that put the word FUN in the word dysFUNctional.
I listened to the audiobook and narrators Pete Simonelli and Madeleine Maby did an outstanding job with the narration.
This book was written in 2016 and it was a book that somehow escaped my radar. This was my first Tracy McMillan book and I will be looking forward to reading more titles by this author.
February 17, 2016
This book is simply and unambiguously a chicklit waiting to be a chickflick. It's so comfortable being what it is and utilizing various clichés of the genre, it's practically admirable. No surprises here, this book reads exactly like something written by a person whose other literary credits are dating how tos. It's actually strongly (although certainly unintentionally, merely due to limited imagination, not plagiarism) reminiscent of the recent De Niro's movie where he plays a magical intern who shows up and dramatically, magically brightens up the life of a control freak young successful woman, his boss. Here the magical genie is Ronnie, let out of his bottle i.e. prison after 17 years, who comes back to live with his daughter and her teenage son and, of course, because of all the things he learned through reading in prison, he's now a terrific person to be around and exactly the strong male presence their lives needed. For a hip progressive modern female perspective, this one is stunningly traditional. How did all these silly women ever get along without a strong, able charmer like Ronnie? Cue in sappy music and daddy issues. The entire thing is ludicrously clichéd as one would expect, but extra so. Best friends (you know the sort of women who refers to themselves as bitches), one responsible, one slutty AND the slutty one is named Peaches. That sort of thing. Not to mention, because of Ronnie's prison found enlightenment and presumably McMillan's personal expertise, the book is just rife with the most obnoxiously trite pop psychology and deliberately poignant strategically situated lachrymose moments. It's all about houses, the going metaphor is that one must be comfortable where they are at and that acceptance has to come from within. Whew, moral. Yet, of course, it's sure to find an audience, because there is a market for this sort of thing and it works for what it is. It isn't terrible, it's perfectly readable. It has all the profundity of Sex in the City. The nutritional value of a marshmallow. And the complexity of a fizzy drink. If it were a color, it would certainly be something pink. And there it is. Thanks Netgalley.
November 4, 2015
This is a good book for what it does, but it is also the kind of book that dudes refuse to read. So while I am going to kind of review it, I am also refusing to admit that. It is the kind of book designed to make women readers feel comfortable—and it succeeds wildly at that, full as it is of affirming, girlish talk that establishes congenial feelings between narrator Nicki Daniels and the reader. The big thing is that Nicki is just like you—or Stephanie Plum or Ana Steele or any other vaguely defined female lead that a woman reader could pour herself into. She’s about 37, probably pretty hot-looking but only modestly mentions having some good features (e.g., big green eyes); she works hard and is proud of her accomplishments. She’s full of self-doubts and concerns because she’s a nice person—just like you! She’s lucked out in terms of a boyfriend who is handsome and 11 years younger, but, you get the picture; she’s too modest to say that—just like you. The two of them plus Nicki’s 16-year-old son are happy, looking to settle down together. Just before they pull the trigger, her dad shows up. He’s an ex-con. Hilarity/heartbreak/drama ensues. Appealing? Yes. Romantic? Yes. Realistic? Well…it has enough realism to be realistic, so while it doesn’t fire on all cylinders all the time, it chugs along enough to keep readers interested and, most importantly, comforted. It’s the reading equivalent of a nicely scented candle. VERDICT This is really good for readers who need quick, soothing intimacy.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.
April 6, 2016
Thank you to Goodreads giveaways for a chance to read this book. It took me awhile to get into it at first. The two points of view between the main characters - a father and his daughter were exchanged back and forth to tell their story. I had to get used to the writing style, a little light, and fluffy chick lit. However, I definitely started appreciating the somewhat Eastern wisdom, inner strength, and spiritual philosophy she presented in addition to the humorous way she wrote realistically of some people's life situations. Overall, it's a recommendable book of this genre and I am taking some of these meaningful reminders of what is truly important to heart.
March 11, 2016
Nicki Daniels is a thirty-something single mom, and she's doing pretty well for herself. She's got a great job, a sweet boyfriend, and several interesting adventures on the horizon. To any outsider, she looks like she has everything a woman could want. But Nicki is fighting some pretty serious childhood demons, and she's having trouble feeling settled, content...happy. So when her father, Ronnie, shows up unexpectedly after a long, long stint in prison, Nicki's world is upended. And all those insecurities she was just barely containing make their way into the full light of day. Ronnie's arrival forces Nicki to confront her past, but in the process of trying to make peace with her dad, Nicki ends up finding a way to heal herself and better her future.
I really loved this book. The description made me think it was going to be a light, fluff read. And though it is a really fun story, there is a surprising amount of depth here. I loved how Ronnie kept talking about developmental psychology, how children are so deeply influenced by how their parents treat them, especially when they are young. I thought his observations were spot on and added a lot to the story.
I also thought McMillan did a wonderful job of creating unique, layered characters. No one was perfect, but they were all relatable and sympathetic. Even when they made dumb (and I mean real dumb) decisions, I still wanted to support them. That's not an easy thing for an author to pull off. The only people who felt slightly superficial and cliche to me were Nicki's two boyfriends, but meh. I didn't mind.
Overall, this was such a great book. Engaging characters and intriguing story. I loved every minute of it.
I really loved this book. The description made me think it was going to be a light, fluff read. And though it is a really fun story, there is a surprising amount of depth here. I loved how Ronnie kept talking about developmental psychology, how children are so deeply influenced by how their parents treat them, especially when they are young. I thought his observations were spot on and added a lot to the story.
I also thought McMillan did a wonderful job of creating unique, layered characters. No one was perfect, but they were all relatable and sympathetic. Even when they made dumb (and I mean real dumb) decisions, I still wanted to support them. That's not an easy thing for an author to pull off. The only people who felt slightly superficial and cliche to me were Nicki's two boyfriends, but meh. I didn't mind.
Overall, this was such a great book. Engaging characters and intriguing story. I loved every minute of it.
January 22, 2016
This was an unexpected delightful read. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel before its publish date in March. Initially, I would have rated the first half of this book 3.5 stars since it concentrated primarily on Nicki, the main character of the book. She's a thirty-something single mother with a 16 yr old son and a successful business but lousy choices in men. Sure they're cute and younger than her but, they have issues.
The book really gets better when her ex-con father shows up at her door after a 17 yr absence. Ronnie is a charmer and really means to make amends with his daughter. He so wants to be a good guy and Dad now. His relationship with Nicki's son Cody really is the best part of the entire book. Ronnie is committed to help Cody come out of his shell of awkward teenage boyhood. It's great.
I even forgot this book was supposed to be about real estate. Plus there are so many good quotes from Ronnie I'll have to come back and add them to my review. Definitely look for this book when it's available. Fun read.
The book really gets better when her ex-con father shows up at her door after a 17 yr absence. Ronnie is a charmer and really means to make amends with his daughter. He so wants to be a good guy and Dad now. His relationship with Nicki's son Cody really is the best part of the entire book. Ronnie is committed to help Cody come out of his shell of awkward teenage boyhood. It's great.
I even forgot this book was supposed to be about real estate. Plus there are so many good quotes from Ronnie I'll have to come back and add them to my review. Definitely look for this book when it's available. Fun read.
July 2, 2016
Loved this book! What would you do if the father who has been in prison for 17 years unexpectedly shows up at your front door? I'd most likely panic! How the author made the main character react did not disappoint!
The author manages to give us both a humorous and heart felt story. Her life is going well, a boyfriend, buying a house and raising a teen age son. Like so many single parents, she has struggled and worked hard to get where she is.
This was a well developed storyline that held my interest from beginning to end. Looking forward to more from this author. I highly recommend this book!
* I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
The author manages to give us both a humorous and heart felt story. Her life is going well, a boyfriend, buying a house and raising a teen age son. Like so many single parents, she has struggled and worked hard to get where she is.
This was a well developed storyline that held my interest from beginning to end. Looking forward to more from this author. I highly recommend this book!
* I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.
January 16, 2016
3.5/5 This is the cotton candy type of chick-lit: light and fun, but not a lot of substance. If you're in a bad mood and need a pick me up or are drained after a long day, then this is just what you need. It's fun, consistent, never too serious or sad. It's easy to get into and doesn't require much thought. For what it is, it does it exactly right. I'm just not sure that what it does is exactly my thing.
February 18, 2016
When I first requested Multiple Listings, by Tracy McMillan on NetGalley, I will admit that I was initially drawn to the cover art. I then read the description and was immediately interested. A successful woman in the midst of a family crisis? I can identify with that!
What I liked:
Nikki: Nikki is a woman who appears to have it all: She owns a home, has a thriving business, and is dating a handsome, younger man. I empathized with how Nikki, despite having all this, still had deep insecurities and shame about her childhood. This affects all of her relationships. This book is a comedy, but I felt it packed an emotional punch as well.
Ronnie: Ronnie is Nikki's father who was just released from prison. At first Ronnie reformation seems like it's too good to be true. And it is, as he messes up and must face the consequences of his actions. I liked that he also began to work on repairing his relationship with Nikki. He understood how his absence altered Nikki's life.
If they make a movie out of this, I think Alec Baldwin would make a perfect Ronnie.
The Real Estate tie-ins: From the title of the book on, the author sprinkles in the psychology of home buying and the real estate industry as metaphors to what is happening in the story. I found this engaging and it was a fun way to weave everything together.
What I didn't like:
The Clichés:
Nikki's troubled teenage son transforms into a happy young adult because Ronnie is there to teach him to become a man. This is so insulting to single mothers and their kids. Plenty of boys who were raised by single mothers turn out just fine (ever heard of a guy named Obama?).
Nikki's other friend, Peaches, also seems like a caricature of the tough, but loyal friend. Peaches still acts like an obnoxious teen and Nikki is fine with that? There is some growth to Peaches later in the novel, but I think it comes a little too quickly, and conveniently, in the story.
It may seem as though I didn't like this book, but I really did enjoy it. It was funny, and I could identify with Nikki trying to figure out how to relate to her father as an adult. I think this is something that many people struggle with. Can we let go of the hurt we feel from the things our parents put us through as kids? Can we see our parents as fellow adults? Can our parents see us, and respect us, as adults? These are some of the themes explored in this novel. It is an entertaining book that would be a great Spring Break read.
What I liked:
Nikki: Nikki is a woman who appears to have it all: She owns a home, has a thriving business, and is dating a handsome, younger man. I empathized with how Nikki, despite having all this, still had deep insecurities and shame about her childhood. This affects all of her relationships. This book is a comedy, but I felt it packed an emotional punch as well.
Ronnie: Ronnie is Nikki's father who was just released from prison. At first Ronnie reformation seems like it's too good to be true. And it is, as he messes up and must face the consequences of his actions. I liked that he also began to work on repairing his relationship with Nikki. He understood how his absence altered Nikki's life.
If they make a movie out of this, I think Alec Baldwin would make a perfect Ronnie.
The Real Estate tie-ins: From the title of the book on, the author sprinkles in the psychology of home buying and the real estate industry as metaphors to what is happening in the story. I found this engaging and it was a fun way to weave everything together.
What I didn't like:
The Clichés:
Nikki's troubled teenage son transforms into a happy young adult because Ronnie is there to teach him to become a man. This is so insulting to single mothers and their kids. Plenty of boys who were raised by single mothers turn out just fine (ever heard of a guy named Obama?).
Nikki's other friend, Peaches, also seems like a caricature of the tough, but loyal friend. Peaches still acts like an obnoxious teen and Nikki is fine with that? There is some growth to Peaches later in the novel, but I think it comes a little too quickly, and conveniently, in the story.
It may seem as though I didn't like this book, but I really did enjoy it. It was funny, and I could identify with Nikki trying to figure out how to relate to her father as an adult. I think this is something that many people struggle with. Can we let go of the hurt we feel from the things our parents put us through as kids? Can we see our parents as fellow adults? Can our parents see us, and respect us, as adults? These are some of the themes explored in this novel. It is an entertaining book that would be a great Spring Break read.
February 22, 2016
Nicki Daniels, a single mother to 16-year-old Cody, has her life together in some major ways. Except for her relationships with men. Her current boyfriend, Jake, is eleven years younger, and even she knows that it won’t be long until it’s over. Because she keeps picking the wrong kind of guy.
Could her “daddy issues” have something to do with those choices? Her father, Ronnie, has been in and out of prison most of her life, with his last stint being seventeen years. Abandonment is definitely one of her emotional issues.
But life is about to change for them all: Ronnie is being paroled, and is on his way to Nicki’s house.
Before everything can get better, though, there will be a lot to sort through.
Multiple Listings is not what I expected. Yes, there is the real estate angle, since Nicki has a business as an appraiser. Plus, she loves going to Open Houses, and is in escrow for a big, beautiful dream house. But our story is mostly about making changes, learning how to deal with issues and relationships, and starting over. Our alternate narrators, Nicki and Ronnie, show us what is going on in their interior lives, and just when I think I am very annoyed with one of them, the other takes over, and we get to see another view of things.
Peaches is Nicki’s best friend, and she is another very annoying character who is blunt, abrasive, and makes a lot of mistakes. But instead of being remorseful, she acts judgmental with Nicki, as if she has all the answers. What will happen to change her attitude and behavior?
Then there is Melissa, the parole officer, who is totally unfit for her job, crossing all kinds of boundaries, but not accepting responsibility for her part in anything that happens. Until something brings her up short.
A novel full of realistic characters, set in the gorgeous Portland area, I felt myself completely immersed in this story until the very last page. Not predictable, although there were familiar moments that reminded me of life itself. 4.5 stars.
*** My e-ARC came to me from the publisher via NetGalley.
Could her “daddy issues” have something to do with those choices? Her father, Ronnie, has been in and out of prison most of her life, with his last stint being seventeen years. Abandonment is definitely one of her emotional issues.
But life is about to change for them all: Ronnie is being paroled, and is on his way to Nicki’s house.
Before everything can get better, though, there will be a lot to sort through.
Multiple Listings is not what I expected. Yes, there is the real estate angle, since Nicki has a business as an appraiser. Plus, she loves going to Open Houses, and is in escrow for a big, beautiful dream house. But our story is mostly about making changes, learning how to deal with issues and relationships, and starting over. Our alternate narrators, Nicki and Ronnie, show us what is going on in their interior lives, and just when I think I am very annoyed with one of them, the other takes over, and we get to see another view of things.
Peaches is Nicki’s best friend, and she is another very annoying character who is blunt, abrasive, and makes a lot of mistakes. But instead of being remorseful, she acts judgmental with Nicki, as if she has all the answers. What will happen to change her attitude and behavior?
Then there is Melissa, the parole officer, who is totally unfit for her job, crossing all kinds of boundaries, but not accepting responsibility for her part in anything that happens. Until something brings her up short.
A novel full of realistic characters, set in the gorgeous Portland area, I felt myself completely immersed in this story until the very last page. Not predictable, although there were familiar moments that reminded me of life itself. 4.5 stars.
*** My e-ARC came to me from the publisher via NetGalley.
March 25, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I escaped right into this novel.
First we meet Nicki, a real estate appraiser with a 16 year old son, Cody, and a boyfriend, Jake, that is 11 years her junior. Things seem to be on track. They are looking for a new house and are opening a restaurant together.
Then we meet Ronnie, Nicki’s father who has been incarcerated most of her life. He is being released from prison and needs to have a place to live and a job or he will violate his parole and be sent back. He wants to reconnect with his daughter and meet his grandson. He just hopes she will let him live with her.
The chapters alternate narrators between Nicki and Ronnie and I really liked that. Their own point of views to the situations made them easy to identify with. We were able to see each character develop separately and together and their relationship struggle and grow.
I knew very early in the story what the ending would be because the story followed a very natural progression. There were a few surprises along the way, like Ronnie’s parole officer. That woman was in the wrong job and needs some counseling of her own. We also have Peaches, Nicki’s very outspoken best friend. She brings some humor and drama to the story.
When I was asked to review this book I thought it was going to be a light read full of humor. It does have a humorous side but the book has so much more. Nicki’s family was clearly dysfunctional but she turned her life around and is very successful in her own right. Yes, she does have relationship issues with men but she was clearly getting grips on that as the story continued. Her son, Cody, also matured before our eyes as he and Ronnie got to know each other and built their relationship. Ronnie is a very smart man, both from all the books he read in prison and through his life lessons. It was a joy to watch him interact with both Cody and Nicki and become the person he hoped to be with all the bumps along the way.
I loved this story. Definitely one for my keeper shelf. I am a sucker for a book with flawed characters and a happy ending.
I escaped right into this novel.
First we meet Nicki, a real estate appraiser with a 16 year old son, Cody, and a boyfriend, Jake, that is 11 years her junior. Things seem to be on track. They are looking for a new house and are opening a restaurant together.
Then we meet Ronnie, Nicki’s father who has been incarcerated most of her life. He is being released from prison and needs to have a place to live and a job or he will violate his parole and be sent back. He wants to reconnect with his daughter and meet his grandson. He just hopes she will let him live with her.
The chapters alternate narrators between Nicki and Ronnie and I really liked that. Their own point of views to the situations made them easy to identify with. We were able to see each character develop separately and together and their relationship struggle and grow.
I knew very early in the story what the ending would be because the story followed a very natural progression. There were a few surprises along the way, like Ronnie’s parole officer. That woman was in the wrong job and needs some counseling of her own. We also have Peaches, Nicki’s very outspoken best friend. She brings some humor and drama to the story.
When I was asked to review this book I thought it was going to be a light read full of humor. It does have a humorous side but the book has so much more. Nicki’s family was clearly dysfunctional but she turned her life around and is very successful in her own right. Yes, she does have relationship issues with men but she was clearly getting grips on that as the story continued. Her son, Cody, also matured before our eyes as he and Ronnie got to know each other and built their relationship. Ronnie is a very smart man, both from all the books he read in prison and through his life lessons. It was a joy to watch him interact with both Cody and Nicki and become the person he hoped to be with all the bumps along the way.
I loved this story. Definitely one for my keeper shelf. I am a sucker for a book with flawed characters and a happy ending.
September 15, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway. Thank youGallery Books for sending a copy to me. I enjoyed reading this book and the characters. It was a "happy" type book. It was predictable but a nice light read. A single mom is raising her teen son. She makes a good living but has no trust in men. Her father is actually a good guy but he is in prison. After almost a decade he shows up on her doorstep and changes her life and the people in it in a good way. It reminded me a little of Max Dugan Returns from years ago although her father is not wealthy.
February 26, 2016
I loved this book! McMillan writes with humor and skill, and her characters are rich and deeply formed. Great plot – a single mother whose jailbird dad arrives unannounced on her doorstep to move in with her and disrupt her life. In the unfolding of their estranged relationship, both characters grow and evolve. It’s a beautiful, fun story, with a satisfying ending.
April 3, 2016
Before I read this book, I thought this was by TERRY McMillan. I thought this was one of her newer novels,thus I was excited to read her latest novel, considering that she is one of my favorite authors. However it dawned on me that this was not Terry but Tracy, but ironically both authors have humor within their books and this novel was pretty good.
Nicki is a thirty something year old who is dating someone who is half her age. While she was apprehensive about dating such a young guy, Jake is the only one that completes her. Jake is everything she looks for in a man, to the dismay of her best friend who thinks that she is taking care of his financial needs, when the shoe should be on the other foot. However she dismisses her opinions about her boyfriend, taking them as a grain of salt. Besides it is not like she has had any luck in any men before.
Ronnie her father who was never around reappears in her life at the worst time. Cody her son is more than eager to reconnect the times that he missed with his grandson. Nicki is not having any of it, certain that he is going to walk out her life again. Is she suppose to forget the many times that he has not showed up, now all of a sudden he wants to make amends? Like Hell she would! Yet she still has a soft side to him, as a result the two gets closer in this family drama about forgiveness and reconciliation.
I really liked this book, it was very witty and the characters were lively. Nicki was a strong protagonist who was really trying to make a difference in the eyes of her nonchalant son. I love the dynamic that she shared with him, that was a nice tough. I am glad that this book was about the relationship between an absent father and his daughter, then another insta romance that tends to be overused.
Very impressive book, looking forward to reading more novels by McMillan.
Nicki is a thirty something year old who is dating someone who is half her age. While she was apprehensive about dating such a young guy, Jake is the only one that completes her. Jake is everything she looks for in a man, to the dismay of her best friend who thinks that she is taking care of his financial needs, when the shoe should be on the other foot. However she dismisses her opinions about her boyfriend, taking them as a grain of salt. Besides it is not like she has had any luck in any men before.
Ronnie her father who was never around reappears in her life at the worst time. Cody her son is more than eager to reconnect the times that he missed with his grandson. Nicki is not having any of it, certain that he is going to walk out her life again. Is she suppose to forget the many times that he has not showed up, now all of a sudden he wants to make amends? Like Hell she would! Yet she still has a soft side to him, as a result the two gets closer in this family drama about forgiveness and reconciliation.
I really liked this book, it was very witty and the characters were lively. Nicki was a strong protagonist who was really trying to make a difference in the eyes of her nonchalant son. I love the dynamic that she shared with him, that was a nice tough. I am glad that this book was about the relationship between an absent father and his daughter, then another insta romance that tends to be overused.
Very impressive book, looking forward to reading more novels by McMillan.
March 4, 2016
Multiple Listings is a light and fluffy chic-lit book about a thirty-something single Mum with a teenage son who is confronted with her ex-con father turning up at her door after 17 years of silence between them.
I was looking for something undemanding and fun to read after finishing a run of dark and sinister books and this did the trick. It was an entertaining albeit predictable story with a lot of basic psychology thrown in. Written in dual perspective switching between the first person narration of the Mum and the grandfather, the most entertaining aspect was the fun relationship between the teenage son and his grandfather. I wasn't really that keen on the main protagonist, the single Mum, who after claiming how independent and successful she was, then proclaimed boys need a male role model in their lives as soon as her son had a problem at school. I'm pretty sure some single Mums might disagree. But then I'm probably over-analyzing a perfectly enjoyable chic-lit story.
It's the sort of book you could see being made into a romantic comedy for TV, not really surprising as the author is a television writer.
If you want an easy story to while away the hours, this is definitely suitable and pleasant to read. Classic women's fiction.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking for something undemanding and fun to read after finishing a run of dark and sinister books and this did the trick. It was an entertaining albeit predictable story with a lot of basic psychology thrown in. Written in dual perspective switching between the first person narration of the Mum and the grandfather, the most entertaining aspect was the fun relationship between the teenage son and his grandfather. I wasn't really that keen on the main protagonist, the single Mum, who after claiming how independent and successful she was, then proclaimed boys need a male role model in their lives as soon as her son had a problem at school. I'm pretty sure some single Mums might disagree. But then I'm probably over-analyzing a perfectly enjoyable chic-lit story.
It's the sort of book you could see being made into a romantic comedy for TV, not really surprising as the author is a television writer.
If you want an easy story to while away the hours, this is definitely suitable and pleasant to read. Classic women's fiction.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
A charming book about forgiveness that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. It is written from two views Nicki and her father's Ronnie. The doorbell rang and when Nicki went answer it, her estranged father was there. It has been 17 years since she has seemed him. What should she do? She dropped the platter of meat she was holding. Her father was in prison the last she knew. He has no place to go unless Nicki allows him to stay. Nicki already has problems her teenage son is skipping school. Her current boyfriend is missing. Ronnie feels badly for his actions and wants to make amends and earn Nicki's trust. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own
March 4, 2016
This book was so unique. It's a mix of novel and self-help book. And I loved it! Told in alternating chapters in the two main characters' voices, McMillan has woven together a humorous yet intense family drama and insightful relationship advice.
Nicki is 37 years old. She almost has it all - a successful career, a wonderful yet somewhat aloof teenage son, and a great boyfriend. But then her son gets suspended from school for truancy, her boyfriend flakes out on her, and her father shows up on her doorstep after 17 years in prison. She's mad at him for abandoning her over and over during her life, and she doesn't want to let him in again.
Ronnie, her father, has spent his most recent time in prison studying psychology and developmental biology. He has healed himself and gained a wealth of knowledge about human behavior. He is ready to start his life over again and make amends with his daughter and get to know his grandson.
This story is about family, the good and the bad. The characters were raw and real and very well developed. The writing was funny and compelling, and I couldn't bring myself to read anything else once I started this book. Usually I have 3-4 books going at a time, and I couldn't tear myself away from this book to spend time on anything else. I loved everything about it - the writing, the story, the characters (well except for Nicki's whining sometimes).
McMilla rounds out the cast with a couple great minor characters as well. Cory is Nicki's son, and he's obsessed with Magic: The Gathering, which I have played, so that was fun. Ronnie and Cory develop a close bond and their relationship added so much to this story. Peaches is Nicki's best friend. She's kind of a mess, but she's always been there for Nicki. She's her reality check for any big decisions she needs to make. I enjoyed their banter.
I didn't always agree with Ronnie's choices, and as I mentioned Nicki sometimes drove me crazy, but I loved reading about this healing family. And the psychological insights added so much to the characters and my level of enjoyment while reading this book. Everyone may not like McMillan's writing style, but it worked 100% for me.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/03/boo...
Nicki is 37 years old. She almost has it all - a successful career, a wonderful yet somewhat aloof teenage son, and a great boyfriend. But then her son gets suspended from school for truancy, her boyfriend flakes out on her, and her father shows up on her doorstep after 17 years in prison. She's mad at him for abandoning her over and over during her life, and she doesn't want to let him in again.
Ronnie, her father, has spent his most recent time in prison studying psychology and developmental biology. He has healed himself and gained a wealth of knowledge about human behavior. He is ready to start his life over again and make amends with his daughter and get to know his grandson.
This story is about family, the good and the bad. The characters were raw and real and very well developed. The writing was funny and compelling, and I couldn't bring myself to read anything else once I started this book. Usually I have 3-4 books going at a time, and I couldn't tear myself away from this book to spend time on anything else. I loved everything about it - the writing, the story, the characters (well except for Nicki's whining sometimes).
McMilla rounds out the cast with a couple great minor characters as well. Cory is Nicki's son, and he's obsessed with Magic: The Gathering, which I have played, so that was fun. Ronnie and Cory develop a close bond and their relationship added so much to this story. Peaches is Nicki's best friend. She's kind of a mess, but she's always been there for Nicki. She's her reality check for any big decisions she needs to make. I enjoyed their banter.
I didn't always agree with Ronnie's choices, and as I mentioned Nicki sometimes drove me crazy, but I loved reading about this healing family. And the psychological insights added so much to the characters and my level of enjoyment while reading this book. Everyone may not like McMillan's writing style, but it worked 100% for me.
http://www.momsradius.com/2016/03/boo...
February 3, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Multiple Listings is a delightful read and one that is perfect for either a beach weekend or for a snow day—with a cup of coffee and a cat or two, curled at your feet.
The novel revolves around Nicki Daniels, a real estate appraiser in Portland, OR. As the story opens, she and her boyfriend, Jake, are house-hunting, hoping to find the perfect place they can share, along with Nicki’s teenaged son, Cody. In addition, Jake has just finalized plans to open a restaurant and is relying on Nicki’s generosity to invest in that endeavor.
Shortly after the novel opens, we are introduced to Ronnie, Nicki’s father who has just been released from prison. He has spent the last 17 years there and in doing so, has “rehabilitated” himself by reading a variety of books on religion, human behavior, relationships, and psychology. What he has learned about each of these effectively weaves through the novel in the background, as Ronnie tries to navigate his way through a world that has changed since he was in prison. However, he believes that in spite of changing times, people are predictable and their actions can be explained using the basic tenets of human behavior.
Upon release from prison, Ronnie heads to a halfway house but soon ends up on Nicki’s doorstep, ready to make amends for his absence throughout much of her life. He uses his newly-attained life skills to re-enter Nicki’s life and to form a strong bond with his grandson, Cody.
This book is a testament to the importance of mending broken relationships, giving second chances, and being strong enough to forgive for the sake of moving forward. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever doubted there was anything to be gained from doing any of those things.
Multiple Listings is a delightful read and one that is perfect for either a beach weekend or for a snow day—with a cup of coffee and a cat or two, curled at your feet.
The novel revolves around Nicki Daniels, a real estate appraiser in Portland, OR. As the story opens, she and her boyfriend, Jake, are house-hunting, hoping to find the perfect place they can share, along with Nicki’s teenaged son, Cody. In addition, Jake has just finalized plans to open a restaurant and is relying on Nicki’s generosity to invest in that endeavor.
Shortly after the novel opens, we are introduced to Ronnie, Nicki’s father who has just been released from prison. He has spent the last 17 years there and in doing so, has “rehabilitated” himself by reading a variety of books on religion, human behavior, relationships, and psychology. What he has learned about each of these effectively weaves through the novel in the background, as Ronnie tries to navigate his way through a world that has changed since he was in prison. However, he believes that in spite of changing times, people are predictable and their actions can be explained using the basic tenets of human behavior.
Upon release from prison, Ronnie heads to a halfway house but soon ends up on Nicki’s doorstep, ready to make amends for his absence throughout much of her life. He uses his newly-attained life skills to re-enter Nicki’s life and to form a strong bond with his grandson, Cody.
This book is a testament to the importance of mending broken relationships, giving second chances, and being strong enough to forgive for the sake of moving forward. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever doubted there was anything to be gained from doing any of those things.
January 30, 2016
4.5 stars, rounded to 5 since we can't give 1/2 stars. I was immediately curious about this book when I saw it on Netgalley and was happy I was selected to read it early in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Ms. McMillan, Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for the enjoyable read.
I was a little surprised because based on the title I thought there would be more focus on the real estate business that Nicki, the main character owned. The first part of the book, maybe the first 35% or 40% dragged a bit as we learned all about Nicki and her son Cody and Nicki's poor taste in men.
Once Nicki's dad Ronnie shows up things begin to really hop and I couldn't read fast enough because I always wanted to read more about Ronnie and his relationship with Cody. Ronnie was such a lovable character. I loved his many interesting sayings and how he worked his way into the book and everyone's lives. This is a heartwarming story and one that I really enjoyed.
I was a little surprised because based on the title I thought there would be more focus on the real estate business that Nicki, the main character owned. The first part of the book, maybe the first 35% or 40% dragged a bit as we learned all about Nicki and her son Cody and Nicki's poor taste in men.
Once Nicki's dad Ronnie shows up things begin to really hop and I couldn't read fast enough because I always wanted to read more about Ronnie and his relationship with Cody. Ronnie was such a lovable character. I loved his many interesting sayings and how he worked his way into the book and everyone's lives. This is a heartwarming story and one that I really enjoyed.
March 2, 2016
I think any time you deal with a single parent and all the craziness that they deal with on a normal basis, then you throw in the parental ex-con father who shows up at your door, you have plenty of opportunity to find humor in your life.
I think we all know that life in general is stressful and for Nicki she has found her life plan that keeps her centered. Then comes her boyfriend who throws a wrench in the works, her father, her son, and even her best friend who stresses her out and you have the basis of a real life story that makes your life seem a little better.
I love the writing style of Tracy McMillan and the dual point of views in the story really helped to solidify and see Nicki's world from different perspectives. The story is witty, with many laugh out loud scenes, and truly an entertaining novel that anyone will enjoy.
I think we all know that life in general is stressful and for Nicki she has found her life plan that keeps her centered. Then comes her boyfriend who throws a wrench in the works, her father, her son, and even her best friend who stresses her out and you have the basis of a real life story that makes your life seem a little better.
I love the writing style of Tracy McMillan and the dual point of views in the story really helped to solidify and see Nicki's world from different perspectives. The story is witty, with many laugh out loud scenes, and truly an entertaining novel that anyone will enjoy.
January 18, 2016
A solid, enjoyable three stars. Protagonist Nicki is a single mom and successful real-estate appraiser with a younger boyfriend who dreams of opening a restaurant. When her long-lost, longtime-incarcerated dad reappears, it coincides with everything going sideways.
If you're looking for an enjoyable beach read, this would be a good candidate. There's a lot of pop psychology that explains everything too beautifully, and just about every plot strand ties up in an awfully neat bow, but, like I said, sometimes you're just fine with that. I was curious what the younger boyfriend's explanation would have been, even if Nicki wasn't, but other than that bit, everything gets analyzed and thought about *thoroughly*!
If you're looking for an enjoyable beach read, this would be a good candidate. There's a lot of pop psychology that explains everything too beautifully, and just about every plot strand ties up in an awfully neat bow, but, like I said, sometimes you're just fine with that. I was curious what the younger boyfriend's explanation would have been, even if Nicki wasn't, but other than that bit, everything gets analyzed and thought about *thoroughly*!
August 6, 2017
Reviewed by Kourtney Pefley for San Diego Book Review
"Multiple Listings" is a lesson in what makes a house a home. A better floor plan, a bigger yard, a prettier kitchen, can't take the place of the love of the people inside. This is a lesson Real Estate Appraiser Nicki Daniels has to learn the hard way. Nicki grew up mostly on her own with a disengaged mother and a dad who spent the last 17 years in prison. She's raised her son by herself and made a successful business for herself and a home for her son.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
"Multiple Listings" is a lesson in what makes a house a home. A better floor plan, a bigger yard, a prettier kitchen, can't take the place of the love of the people inside. This is a lesson Real Estate Appraiser Nicki Daniels has to learn the hard way. Nicki grew up mostly on her own with a disengaged mother and a dad who spent the last 17 years in prison. She's raised her son by herself and made a successful business for herself and a home for her son.
You can read this entire review and others like it at San Diego Book Review.
July 16, 2018
This novel alternates between two points of view - Nicki, a single mom in her 30s with a teenage son, and her dad Ronnie, who has just gotten out of prison after 17 years, during which he hasn't spoken to or seen Nicki the whole time. The book is written in a very breezy style - in fact, if it was just Nicki's point of view, would maybe be chick lit - but deals with some more heavy topics about dysfunctional families and prison. Some of the supporting characters felt a little thinly sketched, but the two main characters were quite good. This is probably not a book I will remember for all time, but was an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2016
Wonderful characters--so believable--conflicts in both family and romantic relationships mixed with lots of self exploration, touching scary love and warm realizations. I just didn't want it to end, I enjoyed it from the beginning. I read that it was inspired by Tracy McMillan's own life story and am grateful she found a way to share it with us. I loved how she created characters with great dialogue that were multi-layered, not perfect, often vulnerable and went from light and fluffy to wonderful depths... great read. This was a great vacation from my standby reads of murder, mayhem and suspense. Just lovely.
July 25, 2016
Geez, Nicki had a lot of stressors in this book! I was impressed with how the main character (Nicki) was able to keep it together without checking herself into a mental institution. I really enjoyed the book and thought the material could be the great makings of a reality tv show....I just wanted to keep reading and ended up binging on this book in one evenings time! I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I didn't think it was necessary for the author to have Nicki dating again and diving into another relationship among all of the story lines going on. It seemed forced and unnatural. But again, that's just my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2016
I am sad that this is Tracy McMillan's first novel, because if she had 20 previous books, I'd go back and read them all immediately. This is a wonderful book about relationships of all kinds. The characters are all so great and so beautifully drawn that they make me want to live in this book. Please write more very soon, Tracy!
January 26, 2016
Originally, I quit this novel a third of the way in. Then I took another look and read the whole thing after all. I *like* it and appreciate the author's insights into human motivations, behaviors and dynamics. No tropes of the thriller genre! The return of the father (fresh from his third prison stint, this one lasting 17 years) seems almost like a fairy tale (he cooks! he washes dishes and helps out with the heroine's teenage son, who needs a father, and the "cool" felon of a grandfather fills the bill). Still, this man is flawed enough to keep it real.
I think third person (or even omniscient) Point of View would have worked better than dad's and daughter's alternating first POV narrative, but when I set aside any pet peeves or personal objections, and just get into the story, it was a fun place to be for a few hours of my life.
I love that this is, at heart, a fairy tale. No, nothing in the synopsis would give that away. There are no fairies, gnomes, magic wands, any of that. But there is a certain element of telling the Universe your heart's desire and having it granted. If this had been labeled New Age or Happily Ever After, I might not have given it a second glance, but the characters are real people, flawed humans who make mistakes and wish for forgiveness and a chance to make amends. That, I can't resist.
Is it predictable? Sure. But there are surprises. Normally in chick lit, if the heroine tries an online dating service, the reader is subjected to one bad-date cliche after another. Not here. One date, one guy, and we're spared the tropes and over-done attempts at humor that continue to plague other books in the women's fiction and humor genres.
I was pleasantly surprised, too, that the plot never devolved into a thriller. We know from the first lines Jake (the boyfriend) speaks that he's nothing but trouble. I expected him to cause far more damage, but again, the reader is spared a bunch of contrived horrors like we'd get in the thriller genre (which I avoid for that reason).
We know the dad who comes knocking after seventeen years in prison is going to make himself useful and endear himself to his daughter. The fun is in seeing how he does that, and what his missteps will be. I was relieved that no worst-case scenarios deliver the wearying messagethat life is so cruel and people never change.
Why do I think of this as a fairy tale? Just because good things happen to people who decide to forgive, offer second chances, and make amends for their own transgressions? Well, yes. Sort of. This is not a tightly plotted, tautly crafted tale, but a somewhat episodic story where some bad stuff happens, but people decide to take responsibility for their own mistakes and forgive others theirs, and overall, this is rewarded. It's so simple, really, yet so rare, in today's market.
I love happy endings, second chances, and stories that make us feel good without being total fantasy.
What I wrote before is still true, but once I made up my mind to accept Ronnie's point of view instead of thinking "This sounds like a woman trying to write a man's POV," I was able to enter into the story and enjoy it. Also, while first-person POV is apparently everyone else's favorite, I believe this novel would have sounded more authentic in third person, Deep Point of View. Maybe even (gasp!) omniscient. Today's omniscient narrative isn't what it was in 19th Century literature.
And here is the original review:
This is a novel that millions of women may love, but I'm just not one of them. The narrator talks about herself, her family, her job, and it might sound witty and amusing to most people, but for me she's overly chatty. At first I was nodding:
"...with a stick of butter, salt, pepper, and onions, I can totally make something nice happen to a pork loin. And if I put it on some great Fiest ware, I almost look like I know what I'm doing."
She spends so much time telling us about this pork loin, I knew something terrible had to happen to it.. There, she does not disappoint. But it's a stretch for us to believe she doesn't just set the hot Fiesta ware full of meat *down safe* on the table before going to answer the door. This sounds super-trivial, I know, but the opening pages of a novel help me decide if I want to spend several hours of my life in this person's head, The prologue didn't hook me, but I kept going anyway, because I love the synopsis and the father's thoughts on moving in with his daughter: "She'll be thrilled, right?"
I was looking forward to her father's point of view, but his "voice' does not ring true as that of a felon, a guy who's been in prison for years. Maybe first person POV was a bad choice here.. Ronnie tells us he's sort of a jailhouse therapist: "I know women so well, and I've done so much reading, dudes just started coming to me and talking to me about their problems, especially with the ladies, and pretty soon I was up to my ears in cigarettes and candy bars that I was taking trade."
Am I the only woman reader who'll pause at all this inner monologue and think it doesn't sound like a guy should sound? Far be it from me to say that men must fit certain stereotypes, but "voice" matters, and I've read a lot of guy novels, written by guys, and fell in love with the voice immediately.
Speaking of inner monologue, there's far more of that than there is action. It takes pages and pages of Nicki describing her house hunt, her boyfriend, her son, her friend, before we get to her dad's chapter. He takes several pages to get to the part we already know from the back cover: he's about to get out of jail. Pages, pages, and more pages until Ronnie is at Nicki's door, waiting for her to answer his knock.
I might come back to this and read all the way to the end, but with so much competition for my attention from other novels, I probably will not. This is the sort of story I skim in search of the quirky humor that the synopsis promised.
The author is successful and highly accomplished, one of the writers for the TV show Mad Men, which I've tried watching but didn't care to get past episode one, so my opinion is worth every penny you paid for it. Millions of people love this sort of thing. I'm drawn more to writers like Sean Costello ("Squall" is hilarious and the POV is spot-on for every single character); Sam Neumann, Tigg Carson, Milo James Fowler, John L. Monk, and women who also happen to be scientists: E.E. Giorgi, Amy Rogers, Dr. Gina DeMarco (hilarious!) or women who almost became scientists: Tam Linsey, A.R. Taylor ("Sex, Rain and Cold Fusion" had me laughing out loud). Most of these Indie Authors haven't show up at NetGalley, which is why I've been writing hundreds of reviews at Perihelion Science Fiction ezine, goodreads and Amazon, and my blog, rather than finish every book that I selected via NetGalley. I'm sorry to be so remiss, but at the other sites, I'm not held accountable when I download sample chapters of an ebook and decide not to keep reading.
I'm fine with an opinionated narrator, and especially with an unreliable narrator. I hoped to see her suffer a bit of a come-uppance on this assertion: "Very few men have the strength to be with a woman who wants them but doesn't need them." She tells the reader she's successful and doesn't "need" a man, which is a good message, but in a novel, the reader tends to expect the heroine's assumptions and assertions to be challenged.
I think third person (or even omniscient) Point of View would have worked better than dad's and daughter's alternating first POV narrative, but when I set aside any pet peeves or personal objections, and just get into the story, it was a fun place to be for a few hours of my life.
I love that this is, at heart, a fairy tale. No, nothing in the synopsis would give that away. There are no fairies, gnomes, magic wands, any of that. But there is a certain element of telling the Universe your heart's desire and having it granted. If this had been labeled New Age or Happily Ever After, I might not have given it a second glance, but the characters are real people, flawed humans who make mistakes and wish for forgiveness and a chance to make amends. That, I can't resist.
Is it predictable? Sure. But there are surprises. Normally in chick lit, if the heroine tries an online dating service, the reader is subjected to one bad-date cliche after another. Not here. One date, one guy, and we're spared the tropes and over-done attempts at humor that continue to plague other books in the women's fiction and humor genres.
I was pleasantly surprised, too, that the plot never devolved into a thriller. We know from the first lines Jake (the boyfriend) speaks that he's nothing but trouble. I expected him to cause far more damage, but again, the reader is spared a bunch of contrived horrors like we'd get in the thriller genre (which I avoid for that reason).
We know the dad who comes knocking after seventeen years in prison is going to make himself useful and endear himself to his daughter. The fun is in seeing how he does that, and what his missteps will be. I was relieved that no worst-case scenarios deliver the wearying messagethat life is so cruel and people never change.
Why do I think of this as a fairy tale? Just because good things happen to people who decide to forgive, offer second chances, and make amends for their own transgressions? Well, yes. Sort of. This is not a tightly plotted, tautly crafted tale, but a somewhat episodic story where some bad stuff happens, but people decide to take responsibility for their own mistakes and forgive others theirs, and overall, this is rewarded. It's so simple, really, yet so rare, in today's market.
I love happy endings, second chances, and stories that make us feel good without being total fantasy.
What I wrote before is still true, but once I made up my mind to accept Ronnie's point of view instead of thinking "This sounds like a woman trying to write a man's POV," I was able to enter into the story and enjoy it. Also, while first-person POV is apparently everyone else's favorite, I believe this novel would have sounded more authentic in third person, Deep Point of View. Maybe even (gasp!) omniscient. Today's omniscient narrative isn't what it was in 19th Century literature.
And here is the original review:
This is a novel that millions of women may love, but I'm just not one of them. The narrator talks about herself, her family, her job, and it might sound witty and amusing to most people, but for me she's overly chatty. At first I was nodding:
"...with a stick of butter, salt, pepper, and onions, I can totally make something nice happen to a pork loin. And if I put it on some great Fiest ware, I almost look like I know what I'm doing."
She spends so much time telling us about this pork loin, I knew something terrible had to happen to it.. There, she does not disappoint. But it's a stretch for us to believe she doesn't just set the hot Fiesta ware full of meat *down safe* on the table before going to answer the door. This sounds super-trivial, I know, but the opening pages of a novel help me decide if I want to spend several hours of my life in this person's head, The prologue didn't hook me, but I kept going anyway, because I love the synopsis and the father's thoughts on moving in with his daughter: "She'll be thrilled, right?"
I was looking forward to her father's point of view, but his "voice' does not ring true as that of a felon, a guy who's been in prison for years. Maybe first person POV was a bad choice here.. Ronnie tells us he's sort of a jailhouse therapist: "I know women so well, and I've done so much reading, dudes just started coming to me and talking to me about their problems, especially with the ladies, and pretty soon I was up to my ears in cigarettes and candy bars that I was taking trade."
Am I the only woman reader who'll pause at all this inner monologue and think it doesn't sound like a guy should sound? Far be it from me to say that men must fit certain stereotypes, but "voice" matters, and I've read a lot of guy novels, written by guys, and fell in love with the voice immediately.
Speaking of inner monologue, there's far more of that than there is action. It takes pages and pages of Nicki describing her house hunt, her boyfriend, her son, her friend, before we get to her dad's chapter. He takes several pages to get to the part we already know from the back cover: he's about to get out of jail. Pages, pages, and more pages until Ronnie is at Nicki's door, waiting for her to answer his knock.
I might come back to this and read all the way to the end, but with so much competition for my attention from other novels, I probably will not. This is the sort of story I skim in search of the quirky humor that the synopsis promised.
The author is successful and highly accomplished, one of the writers for the TV show Mad Men, which I've tried watching but didn't care to get past episode one, so my opinion is worth every penny you paid for it. Millions of people love this sort of thing. I'm drawn more to writers like Sean Costello ("Squall" is hilarious and the POV is spot-on for every single character); Sam Neumann, Tigg Carson, Milo James Fowler, John L. Monk, and women who also happen to be scientists: E.E. Giorgi, Amy Rogers, Dr. Gina DeMarco (hilarious!) or women who almost became scientists: Tam Linsey, A.R. Taylor ("Sex, Rain and Cold Fusion" had me laughing out loud). Most of these Indie Authors haven't show up at NetGalley, which is why I've been writing hundreds of reviews at Perihelion Science Fiction ezine, goodreads and Amazon, and my blog, rather than finish every book that I selected via NetGalley. I'm sorry to be so remiss, but at the other sites, I'm not held accountable when I download sample chapters of an ebook and decide not to keep reading.
I'm fine with an opinionated narrator, and especially with an unreliable narrator. I hoped to see her suffer a bit of a come-uppance on this assertion: "Very few men have the strength to be with a woman who wants them but doesn't need them." She tells the reader she's successful and doesn't "need" a man, which is a good message, but in a novel, the reader tends to expect the heroine's assumptions and assertions to be challenged.
May 9, 2024
Magic con daddy comes back to save poor daddy issues single mom and teach her son how to be a “real man”. Hot steaming pile of cliched, hyper-gendered, sexist garbage. And Ronnie! What a creep. My favorite part was everyone acting like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is obscure information that only college educated rich people know *laughs uproariously while clapping hands*
February 16, 2016
Title: Multiple Listings
Author: Tracy McMillan
Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Multiple Listing" by Tracy McMillan
My Thoughts....
What a good read "Multiple Listings" was! I will say that this read started and went around a complete circle giving the reader a complete story from start to finish of about Niki, her son Cody, then to her father Ronnie, mother...Beth, Nikki's friend ....Peaches...her boy friends...Jake and Alex
to a few others that make this such a complete story. We find from this story that Nikki is a single thirty something year old with a sixteen year old son has a successful business in a relationship however, she has a lots of issues ...with a crazy friend...ex con father who she hasn't seen over seventeen years,..on to a romance that doesn't seem to be going no where. This story will pick up when Nikki's father shows up wanting to fix the past. Now, this is some story here yes, some even predicable but still some surprises! Will Nikki allow this to happen? I liked how this author brings in this grandfather who wants to be there for Nikki and his grandson Cody. How will this all fit into this story about real estate? However, this story will all blend in together as this author will bring it out so well to the readers. where we find one taking responsibility for their mishaps with there being s forgiveness. If you love a story with good endings and second chances then you have a good story that I would recommend to you as a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Tracy McMillan
Publisher: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Multiple Listing" by Tracy McMillan
My Thoughts....
What a good read "Multiple Listings" was! I will say that this read started and went around a complete circle giving the reader a complete story from start to finish of about Niki, her son Cody, then to her father Ronnie, mother...Beth, Nikki's friend ....Peaches...her boy friends...Jake and Alex
to a few others that make this such a complete story. We find from this story that Nikki is a single thirty something year old with a sixteen year old son has a successful business in a relationship however, she has a lots of issues ...with a crazy friend...ex con father who she hasn't seen over seventeen years,..on to a romance that doesn't seem to be going no where. This story will pick up when Nikki's father shows up wanting to fix the past. Now, this is some story here yes, some even predicable but still some surprises! Will Nikki allow this to happen? I liked how this author brings in this grandfather who wants to be there for Nikki and his grandson Cody. How will this all fit into this story about real estate? However, this story will all blend in together as this author will bring it out so well to the readers. where we find one taking responsibility for their mishaps with there being s forgiveness. If you love a story with good endings and second chances then you have a good story that I would recommend to you as a good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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