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Assignment: Romance #2
Help Wanted
From bestselling romance author, Barbara Valentin, comes another hilarious and heartwarming Romance novel...
When Claire Nelson decided that her happily-ever-after lay not in marriage but in a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, she vowed never to tie the knot. But that was before she met Paul Mendez, handsome and charming enough to have her breaking said vow and marrying him shortly after college.
Almost fifteen years and four sons later, Claire is now a burned out breadwinner ready to ditch her quest for happily-ever-after, and Paul has traded his dream of chairing corporate board meetings for volunteering at PTA meetings as a stay-at-home dad. Feeling trapped in a demanding job, Claire's repeated attempts to get Paul to return to work fall flat. Contemplating divorce, she drafts a letter to the Plate Spinner, a popular advice columnist, asking for help. But when the reply contains an offer that may just put her bestselling author dreams back on track, Claire’s only question will Paul be on board? Or does her charming husband make a surprise move of his own?
"Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?"
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
Romance
False Start
Help Wanted
The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction article collection)
When Claire Nelson decided that her happily-ever-after lay not in marriage but in a spot on the New York Times bestseller list, she vowed never to tie the knot. But that was before she met Paul Mendez, handsome and charming enough to have her breaking said vow and marrying him shortly after college.
Almost fifteen years and four sons later, Claire is now a burned out breadwinner ready to ditch her quest for happily-ever-after, and Paul has traded his dream of chairing corporate board meetings for volunteering at PTA meetings as a stay-at-home dad. Feeling trapped in a demanding job, Claire's repeated attempts to get Paul to return to work fall flat. Contemplating divorce, she drafts a letter to the Plate Spinner, a popular advice columnist, asking for help. But when the reply contains an offer that may just put her bestselling author dreams back on track, Claire’s only question will Paul be on board? Or does her charming husband make a surprise move of his own?
"Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?"
—Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author
Romance
False Start
Help Wanted
The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction article collection)
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2015
41 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Valentin
7 books234 followersAuthor of the bestselling Assignment: Romance series, Barbara is a second-generation journalist, her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and its affiliates as well as the lifestyle sites, Mom.Me and BlogHer.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 12, 2017
I recently read/listened to Fresh Start by Barbara Valentin and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wendy Rich Stetson asked if I would be interested in listening to this book, and since I loved the first book in this series, I eagerly accepted. Help Wanted is another great example of romantic comedy!
Claire Mendez is stuck in a dead-end job, but since she’s the bread-winner ever since her husband lost his job and decided to be a stay-at-home dad to their four boys. She’s grown resentful toward her husband and is questioning her commitment to their marriage.
When she receives her pink slip, she sees this as a chance to shake up her life in more than one way. While browsing the want ads, she stumbles across and advertisement for a writer of an advice column on a magazine. Unable to resist, she answers the ad and receives an offer to interview. Part of the process, the editor sent her a few letters from people needing advice, and she needs to write her responses.
The editor loves her answers and immediately offers her the part-time position. She accepts it, and fortunately, an old friend in her old career offers her a temporary position, one which will still give her the opportunity to write the column. Unsure of her husband’s reaction, she does not tell him about the column.
When Paul realizes his marriage is on the line and that Claire is close to calling it quits, he finds a temporary position as an accountant. He does not tell his wife since he can work from home and still handle their boys.
Can these secrets each are keeping from one another work in their favor and ultimately save their marriage?
Help Wanted is a hilarious romantic comedy with plenty of heart. The couple’s boys add a lot of flavor to the story. The pacing is fast and makes this book an easy read/listen. Although it has its serious moments, they are dealt with in a light- hearted manner that does not take away from the seriousness of the couple’s issues.
Claire is a great character. I fell in love with her from the first page to the last. I could understand her resentment toward her husband and her disappointment in having to give up her dreams because her husband has given up on his. She deals with her problems with humor and does not allow her difficulties affect her boys.
Paul lost his corporate job through no fault of his own, but nonetheless it destroyed his confidents, rather than risk failure again, he has thrown himself into being a great dad. I completely understood why he made the decisions he did, but I was glad he could recognize he needed to change.
If you enjoy great characters, in interesting plot and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, then you will love Help Wanted. Wendy Rich Stetson does another fantastic job bring the characters to life. Her narration is so good, I will go out of my comfort zone and listen to books I normally would not consider. I highly recommend Help Wanted, you’ll love it as much as I did. Happy reading!
Claire Mendez is stuck in a dead-end job, but since she’s the bread-winner ever since her husband lost his job and decided to be a stay-at-home dad to their four boys. She’s grown resentful toward her husband and is questioning her commitment to their marriage.
When she receives her pink slip, she sees this as a chance to shake up her life in more than one way. While browsing the want ads, she stumbles across and advertisement for a writer of an advice column on a magazine. Unable to resist, she answers the ad and receives an offer to interview. Part of the process, the editor sent her a few letters from people needing advice, and she needs to write her responses.
The editor loves her answers and immediately offers her the part-time position. She accepts it, and fortunately, an old friend in her old career offers her a temporary position, one which will still give her the opportunity to write the column. Unsure of her husband’s reaction, she does not tell him about the column.
When Paul realizes his marriage is on the line and that Claire is close to calling it quits, he finds a temporary position as an accountant. He does not tell his wife since he can work from home and still handle their boys.
Can these secrets each are keeping from one another work in their favor and ultimately save their marriage?
Help Wanted is a hilarious romantic comedy with plenty of heart. The couple’s boys add a lot of flavor to the story. The pacing is fast and makes this book an easy read/listen. Although it has its serious moments, they are dealt with in a light- hearted manner that does not take away from the seriousness of the couple’s issues.
Claire is a great character. I fell in love with her from the first page to the last. I could understand her resentment toward her husband and her disappointment in having to give up her dreams because her husband has given up on his. She deals with her problems with humor and does not allow her difficulties affect her boys.
Paul lost his corporate job through no fault of his own, but nonetheless it destroyed his confidents, rather than risk failure again, he has thrown himself into being a great dad. I completely understood why he made the decisions he did, but I was glad he could recognize he needed to change.
If you enjoy great characters, in interesting plot and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, then you will love Help Wanted. Wendy Rich Stetson does another fantastic job bring the characters to life. Her narration is so good, I will go out of my comfort zone and listen to books I normally would not consider. I highly recommend Help Wanted, you’ll love it as much as I did. Happy reading!
April 4, 2017
Claire has the worst job ever, firing people for a living, but being the breadwinner, she can’t afford to quit. After all, she has 4 boys and a house husband to support.
Claire’s resentment at having to forgo her dreams of becoming a writer is starting to tear at the fabric of her marriage to hot hubby Paul Mendez.
Paul has retreated to being the caretaker of his family after he takes a demoralizing hit in his career. It’s an honorable job, taking care of his family, but the toll it’s taken on Claire has him scrambling to save her dreams and their marriage.
This book pulls no punches, about the conflicted feelings Claire has towards her husband. Her frustration has her lashing out at Paul in painful ways. You feel for both characters in this book, there is no bad guy. Just two people trying to get back to some sort of happiness.
What a wonderful audiobook! It’s an adult look at love and relationships. Told with humor and honesty that anyone over 35 can relate to.
When Wendy Rich Stetson narrates she manages to capture the humor and heartbreak perfectly in this 7-hour audiobook. Help Wanted is a fast-paced story and Wendy’s delivery was flawless in this fully voiced production.
I look forward to hearing more from author Barbara Valentin and Narrator Wendy Rich Stetson!
This audiobook was gifted to me in exchange for an unbiased review!
Claire’s resentment at having to forgo her dreams of becoming a writer is starting to tear at the fabric of her marriage to hot hubby Paul Mendez.
Paul has retreated to being the caretaker of his family after he takes a demoralizing hit in his career. It’s an honorable job, taking care of his family, but the toll it’s taken on Claire has him scrambling to save her dreams and their marriage.
This book pulls no punches, about the conflicted feelings Claire has towards her husband. Her frustration has her lashing out at Paul in painful ways. You feel for both characters in this book, there is no bad guy. Just two people trying to get back to some sort of happiness.
What a wonderful audiobook! It’s an adult look at love and relationships. Told with humor and honesty that anyone over 35 can relate to.
When Wendy Rich Stetson narrates she manages to capture the humor and heartbreak perfectly in this 7-hour audiobook. Help Wanted is a fast-paced story and Wendy’s delivery was flawless in this fully voiced production.
I look forward to hearing more from author Barbara Valentin and Narrator Wendy Rich Stetson!
This audiobook was gifted to me in exchange for an unbiased review!
May 14, 2017
In this book, Claire and Paul have a messy life, just like the rest of us. They have four boys, dirty clothes all over the place, a million places to be and bills that have to be paid. And one of them doesn't have a paying job--Paul. He's a stay-at-home dad while Claire is supporting the family with a job she hates. She dropped her dreams of a real writing job that will give her joy long ago. She is STUCK.And she is really MAD.
All of a sudden life is changing. Changing for both Paul and Claire, but the changes are kept secret from each other. Could the secrets finish off the marriage that is already rocky, or will the marriage turn into the joy Claire has been searching for?
This story by Barbara Valentin was so enjoyable and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson was superb. I loved all the voices she used for all the women, men and children. An all around excellent experience!
All of a sudden life is changing. Changing for both Paul and Claire, but the changes are kept secret from each other. Could the secrets finish off the marriage that is already rocky, or will the marriage turn into the joy Claire has been searching for?
This story by Barbara Valentin was so enjoyable and the narration by Wendy Rich Stetson was superb. I loved all the voices she used for all the women, men and children. An all around excellent experience!
July 7, 2017
In Help Wanted by Barbara Valentin, Claire Nelson has spent 16 years in the corporate sector, while her husband, Paul, has spent the last few years as a stay-at-home dad, resistant to all of Claire's urging to go back to work, where he was once a high power investment banker. Feeling imprisoned in her job as well as inadequate in her role as the mother of four boys, Claire writes to the local newspaper advice columnist The Plate Spinner, who focuses on the challenges of balancing family and work. The next day, she gets informed that after all the painful work she has done for her company, she has been fired. With that, her life changes dramatically.
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
May 5, 2018
Claire & Paul are my dream couple. Their struggles rang true. This is a definite must read! 5 Star romance
March 16, 2019
I devoured this book! The main obstacles were very relatable and I was cheering for Claire and Paul the whole way.
December 4, 2020
In this installment our heroine discovers that we are never too old or set in our ways to change. No matter how long we’ve held on to our dreams they can still come true.
April 29, 2021
The book was OK it was not my favourite and it was not the most enjoyable book I’ve ever read it was kind of hard to read but I pushed through it and finished it and at the end it was really sweet
May 20, 2015
review for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com
I can very much relate to Help Wanted. Like Claire, I’m married. I have two rambunctious boys who I’m constantly having to tend to. Although I’m in a much happier place in my own marriage, and I’m not the burnt out breadwinner of the family, I know what it’s like to have a certain vision, an image of how the future will look, and how it feels to not achieve that due to all the various stepping stones of life. I liked the unique perspective Barbara Valentin has brought to light with this incredible novel. I get to identify from the stay-at-home perspective with Paul, while still yearning for my own dreams and aspirations that have fallen short, like Claire’s.
Even though Claire is struggling, inwardly, she wants to fall in love with Paul again, and Paul feels the same way about Claire. That’s another thing I loved about Help Wanted. It’s not often you find a novel that embraces and encourages marital bonds. The issue, though, is whether these two can make it work. Can they find happiness together, or will they be better off apart?
Mixed in are the subtle nuances that reminded me of The Gift of the Magi. Claire and Paul are both in a really tough place, financially and emotionally, yet there are situations where they end up trying to help one another without the other one even realizing it. There is a lot of charm and humor as well, which made this an easy read and one that I had a hard time putting down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down.
I’m looking forward to reading the first book in this series, False Start. If it’s anywhere near as delightful as Help Wanted, I know I’m in for a treat!
I can very much relate to Help Wanted. Like Claire, I’m married. I have two rambunctious boys who I’m constantly having to tend to. Although I’m in a much happier place in my own marriage, and I’m not the burnt out breadwinner of the family, I know what it’s like to have a certain vision, an image of how the future will look, and how it feels to not achieve that due to all the various stepping stones of life. I liked the unique perspective Barbara Valentin has brought to light with this incredible novel. I get to identify from the stay-at-home perspective with Paul, while still yearning for my own dreams and aspirations that have fallen short, like Claire’s.
Even though Claire is struggling, inwardly, she wants to fall in love with Paul again, and Paul feels the same way about Claire. That’s another thing I loved about Help Wanted. It’s not often you find a novel that embraces and encourages marital bonds. The issue, though, is whether these two can make it work. Can they find happiness together, or will they be better off apart?
Mixed in are the subtle nuances that reminded me of The Gift of the Magi. Claire and Paul are both in a really tough place, financially and emotionally, yet there are situations where they end up trying to help one another without the other one even realizing it. There is a lot of charm and humor as well, which made this an easy read and one that I had a hard time putting down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down.
I’m looking forward to reading the first book in this series, False Start. If it’s anywhere near as delightful as Help Wanted, I know I’m in for a treat!
May 22, 2015
Help wanted is a realistic view of what marriage is. When you have moved past the "delusional I think I just found my soul mate days of the relationship". You're living in the land of reality and sometimes you contemplate homicide but decide orange really isn't your color. Oh wait those are my thoughts lol.
Help Wanted is book 2 in the an Assignment romance novels. There are many of the same characters as False Start book 1 (which I totally loved) but you can read Help Wanted as a stand alone.
Claire has been forced to be the sole breadwinner of the family because her husband Paul just gave up. To be honest I really didn't like Paul. AT ALL. He redeems himself by the end but he was such a selfish prick in the beginning of the book I really had a hard time warming up to him.
Claire is a working mother of four boys and her life is crazy. I have a sister who lives this life and I have no idea where she gets the energy!
Don't get me wrong the book was good. However, when I read I like to escape reality. Not be immersed in reality that I'm all to familiar with. Marriage, work stress, family.....Sara
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Help Wanted is book 2 in the an Assignment romance novels. There are many of the same characters as False Start book 1 (which I totally loved) but you can read Help Wanted as a stand alone.
Claire has been forced to be the sole breadwinner of the family because her husband Paul just gave up. To be honest I really didn't like Paul. AT ALL. He redeems himself by the end but he was such a selfish prick in the beginning of the book I really had a hard time warming up to him.
Claire is a working mother of four boys and her life is crazy. I have a sister who lives this life and I have no idea where she gets the energy!
Don't get me wrong the book was good. However, when I read I like to escape reality. Not be immersed in reality that I'm all to familiar with. Marriage, work stress, family.....Sara
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
May 14, 2015
I really liked this book. Barbara Valentin knows how to write characters. There were times I wanted to shake one of the main characters, but that made me enjoy her transformation even more.
The fact that the story was told by focusing on different characters made it interesting to see the story from their point of view. I was delighted to realize Barbara Valentin's other book, False Start, was already waiting on my tablet. It appears that the two books share characters!
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review!
The fact that the story was told by focusing on different characters made it interesting to see the story from their point of view. I was delighted to realize Barbara Valentin's other book, False Start, was already waiting on my tablet. It appears that the two books share characters!
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review!
September 7, 2017
This story provided an interesting take on how to fix what's wrong in your marriage. It's imaginative and very well done.
I love both Paul and Claire, who love each other, but have drifted apart and can't seem to get back to what they once had.
This story highlights the importance of following your dreams, allowing those you love to follow their dreams, and not forgetting along the journey the things (and people) who matter the most.
A beautiful and inspirational story.
I listened to the audio version, and narrator, Wendy Rich Stetson, did a really good job.
I love both Paul and Claire, who love each other, but have drifted apart and can't seem to get back to what they once had.
This story highlights the importance of following your dreams, allowing those you love to follow their dreams, and not forgetting along the journey the things (and people) who matter the most.
A beautiful and inspirational story.
I listened to the audio version, and narrator, Wendy Rich Stetson, did a really good job.
July 22, 2015
3.5 stars missing out on your dreams, running a household, working a high stress job- it's easy to see how these things can cause a buildup of resentment towards your spouse. Claire wanted Paul to go back to work, to give her a chance to enjoy her family and maybe even work towards her writing dreams. They eventually get on that track, but not without plenty of miscommunication first. funny, and somewhat realistic.
June 7, 2017
Fun fast read. Cute story about a married couple and the ups and downs that go with it. At one point you want to slap either the wife or husband for not communicating to one another. My favorite character would have to be Tomas. He is the youngest of the kids he really becomes everyone's ally. Just like me lol
January 26, 2017
HELP WANTED is a fun romantic comedy. Featuring a married couple, the premise is rather refreshing for those looking for a more true-to-life romance. Valentin has a humorous writing style that kept me engaged in this story all the way until the end.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
Disclosure: I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway.
May 6, 2015
I have not read any of Barbara's work before, but I am now hooked. This was a fun read and loved it. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
June 13, 2015
Fun book, good read.
August 1, 2016
Another great read
Ah the ups and downs of a plate spinner. Claire, working mom and Paul, stay at home dad share their story and the good and bad. Read on, lovely book
Ah the ups and downs of a plate spinner. Claire, working mom and Paul, stay at home dad share their story and the good and bad. Read on, lovely book
April 8, 2017
This is a book that anyone in a long-term relationship can find things to relate to. It's about how the day to day effects relationships and the strains and stresses. It was very relatable in many ways. Though, I can't say I understood Paul. There was a role reversal that was really interesting, and that part I could relate to. But, the lack of understanding or ability to see the burdens being placed on your partner, and then expecting them to prove they loved you before you showed them you understood was something I didn't understand. It wasn't a question of love, it was a question of trying to survive the day to day without the support of the one person who should be supporting you. There were also elements of keeping things from each other that just seemed trivial to me. It just seemed like lack of simple communication for some purpose that I didn't understand.
However, there was a lot to love and enjoy about this story. I totally got Claire in so many ways. Like her, I was never a girly girl, dreaming of white dresses, weddings, and princes. I never wanted to get married or have kids. I had too many things to do and see. Then, I met this guy that changed every idea I thought I had about what I wanted. And, I'm so happy he did. When I got to the obit assignment, I was laughing so hard, I had to stop it. I re-wound it and played it back for my guy, and we were both cracking up. (You have to listen or read it to understand.) But, this story is about the juggling of the day to day, and trying to find balance between the needs and wants of your family and your own. And, I think most people with a family can relate to that.
And, of course, Wendy Rich Stetson did her usual amazing job narrating. She captured those little nuances that had me either laughing out loud or really feeling the pain of the characters. It's by far not a heavy read, but one with some substance and relatability.
However, there was a lot to love and enjoy about this story. I totally got Claire in so many ways. Like her, I was never a girly girl, dreaming of white dresses, weddings, and princes. I never wanted to get married or have kids. I had too many things to do and see. Then, I met this guy that changed every idea I thought I had about what I wanted. And, I'm so happy he did. When I got to the obit assignment, I was laughing so hard, I had to stop it. I re-wound it and played it back for my guy, and we were both cracking up. (You have to listen or read it to understand.) But, this story is about the juggling of the day to day, and trying to find balance between the needs and wants of your family and your own. And, I think most people with a family can relate to that.
And, of course, Wendy Rich Stetson did her usual amazing job narrating. She captured those little nuances that had me either laughing out loud or really feeling the pain of the characters. It's by far not a heavy read, but one with some substance and relatability.
May 1, 2017
Barbara Valentin sums up Claire Mendez's state of mind on page one! "Sure, in the delusional I think I just found my soul mate days of their relationship, the sound of his smooth, deep voice would make her all sorts of tingly. On this particular morning, however, it made her homicidal." Claire has four sons, a job she hates, and her husband is a stay-at-home-dad. After college, her dream had been to someday be a New York Times best selling author. Then one day, Claire is let go and finds herself looking for another job. As luck would have it, The Plate Spinner (popular advice column), might just want to hire her! This second book in the Assignment: Romance Series, is as enjoyable as the first (False Start). We see some of the same characters again--Nick, Mattie, Dianne, and Lester. But this time the story revolves around Claire and Paul. This book is a fun read with a few surprises along the way. I'm ready for the next book in the series! Keep them coming Barbara Valentin!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews